Photo by Charlize A.
Meet Jose Rafael Lavilla, or Rafael for short. He is a Grade 9 student who loves fitness, music, and meeting new people. Rafael’s former elementary school was H.J Lassaline Catholic School. He enjoyed going to that school as he made many great friends and had enjoyable times there. Rafael has been thoroughly content so far for his first year of high school, as he thinks that his courses are interesting and for the most part, not difficult. Meeting new people and going through new experiences with them has also kept Rafael pleased with how his Grade 9 year is progressing.
This year, Rafael has done many new things, and has also accomplished some of his own personal goals. First of all, he joined the school’s concert band, which he claims was very intimidating at first, but now, he does not regret going and trying something different as the concert band plays a positive part in his life. He also talked to a lot of people in first semester, and met new friends which he is very happy about, as he likes to know as many people as he can. Finally, Rafael finished off his semester with grades he was proud of, and that is a pretty strong achievement.
Rafael has a wide variety of interests and hobbies, but he has a passion for music and fitness in particular. Music is a large part of his life, and he is well versed in many instruments: drums, guitar, and the clarinet–– which he plays in the concert band. If he had to choose his favourites though, Rafael says that his favourites would have to be the piano and the ukulele, which he taught to himself with a large amount of patience, effort, and perseverance. Music is his way of expressing himself, and is also a fun, relaxing pastime for him.
In terms of fitness, it brings Rafael a great deal of confidence when he keeps fit. He enjoys working out with cardio machines, weights, and everything in between. When asked why exercise is important to him, he said that it makes him feel good about the person he is. “Fitness is a large part of my life because it makes me feel happy and confident in myself.” When he takes care of his physical health, he thinks more positively about everything, and he has a better outlook on life because of it.
At this point in time, Rafael is interested in becoming a mechanical engineer in the future. He aspires to have a successful career in that area. In general, he hopes to use what he has learned in his life to have a bright future ahead of him, and also hopes to have no regrets either. Next year, Rafael plans on trying out for the basketball team and volleyball team to be able to play the sports he loves, while representing the school he loves as well.