Freshman Mary Angeline Manalang was nominated for Bear of the Week by Nikki Guerrero. She is involved in choir, Future Business Leaders of America (as treasurer), Interact Club, and Bear Believers. Outside of school, she is involved in vocal lessons and church activities. She is in Keysis and choir at church.
Manalang’s biggest role model is Jesus.
“He means so much in my life, and he inspires me to do good,” Manalang said. “He is like my best friend, and he’s always there to guide me no matter if I’m at my highest or lowest.”
Some of Manalang’s hobbies include playing instruments, singing, listening to music, and writing.
“What’s funny is I love writing, but hate reading,” Manalang said. “Instruments I am learning are ukelele, guitar, and piano.”
Manalang’s goals for the future are to go to college and build myself a stable career,” Manalang said. “Perhaps something in business or accounting! Then I see myself settling down and starting a family.”
According to Manalang, her greatest accomplishment is giving her time and attention to people who deserve it.
“I could talk about a physical accomplishment like grades or an award, but what really matters is invisible accomplishments,” Manalang said. “I allowed myself to find and surround myself with people who will celebrate my achievements and I can celebrate theirs. This may seem simple, but it can be hard to find people like this. Negativity is very common in high school and in life in general, so finding these people is such a huge blessing and milestone for me.”
Manalang’s favorite class this year is Algebra I.
“I’ve always enjoyed math and this year is no different,” Manalang said. “Ms. Hanson does a wonderful job at teaching and making the class fun.”
Some advice Manalang would give to her younger self is, “Stop overthinking. You will soon realize that everything you’re stressing about won’t turn out bad. Matthew 6:34 states, ‘Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.'”
Manalang’s favorite part of going to LCM is the memories she has made here.
“These experiences allow me to learn and to improve as a person. Also, these memories give me funny stories to tell people,” Manalang said.
Manalang’s Christian faith and what she can become one day motivates her to keep going the extra mile.
“My ideas of success is becoming the best version of myself, and that is exactly what I aim to be,” she said.
According to Guerrero, Manalang is a pleasure to have in her principles of business class.
“Mary is always doing the right thing,” Guerrero said. “She is kind to her peers and a positive light in class.”
