Thank YOU, Sir!

Let me do some boasting. I am 33 years old. I have 10 years as a teacher and a few years as a radio reporter, a news writer, a researcher, a voice-over talent, a trainor, an administrator, a technical support agent, and a tourism operation officer to my credit. Of these jobs, it is the distinct role of a teacher to teach students that I love the most. To this day, I have several graduates who have become successful in their chosen careers. My students have become engineers, doctors (coming soon), nurses, accountants, politicians, and most especially TEACHERS.

It is the goodness of God that made it possible.

It is through the greatness of God that I have touched the lives of my students and they have been at the best of what they are.

A few days ago, I was asked, “What was your biggest joy in your 10 years as TEACHER?” And I said without hesitation, “It is the joy of producing tomorrow’s leaders, today”. It is the joy of being part of their academic life, part of their daily tasks and being a second parent to them. It is almost mind blowing. I, the teacher being reciprocated with congratulatory remarks, gifts in several forms and a warmed handshake and embrace from these students – who are now part of the workforce of the Philippine’s public and private sectors. My joy is to see them return their gratitude to their parents. My joy is to see them driving their own cars. My joy is to know that I am invited on some occasions, simply thanking me for being part of their lives, for having inspired them for what they have become, and reckoning those never-ending high school years with much joy and laughter.

What was my greatest difficulty? It is to see my students suffer. Their agony of unwanted pregnancy, having an early married life, not finishing their studies because of poverty and life’s problems. It pains me. It hurts me. It gives me a quiet time asking myself, What is lacking in me as their teacher that made their lives miserable?. How do I respond to their darkest hours? Why do they have to experience pain and suffering this early?. It was also in my first few years as a teacher when I was bombarded with questions from parents, asking help and counseling about their sons and daughters — all these have caused me to strive more to become a good teacher, a good example and a good listener.

What then is my dream in the years to come? I dream that all my students will graduate with flying colors and have a stable job. Teaching is one big charity effort. Even while everyone’s struggling for comfort, I have yet afforded to wiggle while in struggle. Teaching has both surprised and fascinated my nerve for delivering content to whoever is able and interested. I can gladly say, as I travel on this life, somehow, someday, I have touched people’s lives, made them smile, made a big impact in their decisions, and most specially have become part of their lives…All these are just enough to be thankful because I’ve been there and I’ve done things for them. Now, my career is on a crossroad. I have come to terms that an additional fold of one’s age especially when it’s crippling towards the tail end of the calendar, MUST ALWAYS be a bell ringing on my time line, for personal maturity and professional growth. So where am I now? Rightfully on the space provided for me by the Providence,very still and calm patiently waiting for some fortuitous fruits of labor. Hence, I will continue to sow harder for life… not for my sole happiness but for infinite contentment and constant reflection.

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~ by Daga on August 5, 2010.