My last Saturday session with my MBA students was a free-wheeling
discussion of their real workplace issues.
The final days of my undergrad class had me cooped up in
the faculty room (students darting back and forth to ask if they passed) to check
and grade their dissertation papers before they were sent to London for second
marking by my British counterpart. Teaching under the British system taught me
to be more thorough in my grading so none of my students' grades were reduced.
It was really just a work-work-work week—until my last sessions with
my senior high students.
While I was yet
receiving their mind maps about what it would take to have a progressive
Philippines, in popped boxes of pizzas, a barrage of hugs and an envelope of messages.
Today, I woke up from my nap, thinking, "That was it,
teaching days over!" then frantically looked for those messages.
Rivers flowed as I re-read them. Teaching was my calling;
and those notes proved it.
(It's humbling to be highly regarded. Thank you, God! Sharing
with you some of those messages not to call attention to myself but to boast of
God's grace for this oftentimes frustrated teacher; and
to encourage my teacher readers to persevere in their calling.)
Some anonymous notes from a page headlined "Why do we
love Ms. Yay":
"…taught us how to live."
"Inspirational, amazing, loving, funny, lively, great
role model."
"Built my confidence… molded me."
"Super kind-hearted and loving, like a mom."
"An irrevocable love for God, her students and her
work… Has a way of inspiring her students and making them interested in her
lessons."
Derick: "I had
so much challenges meeting expectations. If I don't meet them, I feel
like a cut down broken tree. (But) I chose to focus more, work harder to be
better… even if my arms and brain get sore…"
Imann: "I always appreciate how you always stand up for
what you believe in… and still be open-minded. Because of that, I always look
up to you."
I applaud Kim for her honesty: "I love you even if I have quite low
grades in your subject. To be honest… your subject is my lowest. I hope when I stay
here for college, you will be my prof. I did my best in your subject. You're such
an inspiration… my idol."
Dillon, my Korean student: "As I am Korean… English was
my biggest challenge. However… I learned a lot. I appreciate your method. I am
still using dictionary to write this short letter, but soon I may be better, right?"
Andrea: "From the moment you first spoke to us and had
your lecture, I already knew you were fit to be a teacher. You spoke with much
passion and I was motivated. Your career history and writings inspire me. Continue
to inspire others too."
Aiko: "I was able to express my opinions confidently
about social issues… speak English fluently while reporting. Through these reports,
I learned about a lot of things because you taught me how to do proper
research. I may not be in the right position to tell you, but you are a
successful teacher. You have touched our hearts not only inside the classroom but also outside. You are now one of our
inspirations … to become successful one day. I feel I'm ready to think critically. You are a blessing. Please inspire more
students."
 |
| My youngest pupil Coco. All set to go to school. |
Humbling, don't you think?
As I tuck back those messages into my stash of fond memories,
I say a little prayer for all the students I'd been privileged to mentor. I've
never ceased praying for them. Because frankly, it's a dog-eat-dog world out
there.
Oops, my youngest pupils call. "Na-na," says my one year-old grandchild Coco as she eyes a banana. Her sister Natalie waits her turn to play scrabble and sungka!
Who says my teaching days are over?
