By Sierra Williams
Staff Writer
Tradition can play a large part in a person’s life. Mira Costa junior Aly Togle chose to attend an international high school for a year in the Philippines, in order to connect with the tradition of her family.
Togle attended a prestigious Catholic preparatory school called Ateneo de Davao last year for the entire school year, which begins in June and ends in March. There, the success rates and standards of students are very high.
“The expectations were really high,” Togle said. “I have considered going to college there, but I would most likely not survive.”
Togle took classes at her school in the Philippines that are not offered at Mira Costa. Some of these unique classes included Catholic Learning Education and Filipino Language. Togle had the opportunity to practice her native language, which consists of both Asian and Spanish roots, in her Filipino Language class.
“I still practice the language, but it is terribly difficult to create sentences and have long conversations,” Togle said.
In Catholic Learning Education, Togle learned about Catholicism through working on many projects and oral reports regarding Catholicism. To enhance her understanding of her religion, Togle worked on projects that included, skits, drawings and paintings.
“We learned about vices, prostitution around the world, and human trafficking,” Togle said. “I think of CLE like a support group, it is really fun.”
Togle met a diverse group of people from several countries including students from India, China, Japan, and South Korea. She has remained friends with the people she met in the Philippines by communicating through Facebook and Skype.
“While I was over there, everyone was extremely nice and treated everyone like they were family,” Togle said. “It made me reflect on my life and try to be super nice while I’m young and making first impressions.”
Prior to attending school in the Philippines, Togle lived in Manhattan Beach for three years. This is her first year at Mira Costa and according to her, the adjustment she has made has been relatively easy.
“I find Costa much easier to adapt to because there is not as much pressure and stress to do everything perfectly,” Togle said. “Whereas, Ateneo de Davao put a lot of pressure on me and made a lot of students feel stressed.”
Mira Costa has offered Togle great friends and classes to be a part of because she believes everyone is so nice and helpful.
“She is very good at participating and contributing in class discussions,” English teacher Quincy Howerton said. “She has a positive attitude and is very diligent.”
Togle is making an effort to get involved in the Mira Costa community and environment by participating in the social events.
“I always go to the games and support the team,” Togle said. “I wear the Costa colors and write ‘Mira Costa’ on my legs and cheeks.”
Togle enjoys singing and is apart of Mira Costa’s concert choir. She aspires to be a news reporter or a lawyer.
“You can not slack off at all. Not just in school, but in life,” Togle said. “It is important you try to do your best in everything you do.”
Leave a Reply