The author recounts their experience participating in their first national science contest after qualifying despite not winning at the regional level. Though they had academic conflicts and did not really want to join, their coach and faculty persuaded them to pursue it. They finally decided to join the nationwide competition in Baguio after competing in Tagaytay. After registering and presenting their thesis while staying in Baguio for four days, the winners were announced but the author did not win, though they were glad to have experienced such a large nationwide contest and to have represented their hometown and region.