Leadership transcends titles and positions; it is about influence, vision, and the capacity to foster growth in others. It is the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide others towards a common goal. Mrs. Charivel O. Aban, also known as Ma'am Chang, first started at Davao Christian High School as a chemistry teacher. 

She graduated from the University of the Philippines in Mindanao with a Bachelor of Science in Food Technology in 2005 then went on to earn her Bachelor in Secondary Education at the University of Southeastern Philippines. She earned her Master of Arts in Teaching College Chemistry at the University of the Immaculate Conception and was once a teacher at the Philippine Women’s College of Davao.

In the year 2011, Mrs. Charivel O. Aban began her journey atDCHS. With her mellow and patient demeanor, Ma'am Chang grew to be a teacher that students were comfortable with and confident to learn from. Her capability as a teacher and a leader shines through her teachings, both inside and outside the classroom. She is firm, leading the class with a gentle yet authoritative voice, but she also enjoys chemistry jokes and manages to connect her teachings to real-life situations in creative ways.

Back in 2005 to 2006, Ma’am Chang served as a volunteer campus missionary in the campus ministry called “Campus Crusade for Christ” and conducted Bible studies with college students. She was assigned to the University of Mindanao and the University of the Philippines Mindanao. 

She came to know Christ when she was an incoming Grade 7 student and was involved in Campus Crusade for Christ through her sister. Her faith only grew as she served at Davao Christian High School, saying that the vision and mission of the school aligned with the kind of impact and influence she wished to have on other people. Ever since she accepted Christ as her Savior, she has used her gifts to share the gospel, be a blessing to others, and glorify the Lord. According to her, DCHS served as an avenue to practice the different Biblical principles she had learned.

Ma’am Chang is known throughout the student body as a teacher who never leaves a student behind. She is as understanding as she is patient, always prepared to re-explain concepts and guide students every step of the way. Her dedication to teaching is highlighted in her thorough and meticulous preparations every school year. After 13 years of teaching chemistry to Junior High School students, Ma'am Chang is set to take on a new role, the role of Junior High School principal. 

She had originally found herself overwhelmed because of the responsibility and accountability that came with the role of being JHS principal. She was reassured, however, by the fact that she would not be alone and that she not only had the JHS family but also the Lord. She trusts that the Lord will guide her and keep her faith strong, no matter what His plans for her may be. Ma’am Chang believes that she is simply His instrument and that He would be her confidence through it all.

Still, leadership is not a linear journey; it is a dynamic and evolving process that involves continuous learning, adaptation, and growth. She is currently balancing the duties of overseeing a portion of the school's environment and system while also preparing for her dissertation. Nonetheless, the Lord has been good to her through the development of her personal philosophy, background, and experiences and how God used them to lead her to this position.

In the years to come, she wishes to emphasize the welfare of the teachers and ensure the academics of the students. Ma’am Chang hopes that she has more time to not just be a principal to lead, but also, if the Lord allows, show the teachers to appreciate their roles and their impacts outside the classroom. She aspires to be a blessing to those around her, not only by learning and growing as a believer in Christ herself but also by inspiring others under her leadership.

Presently, she continuously serves the school and is preparing for her PhD in Philosophy in Education. As her time as JHS principal continues, she exemplifies values of dedication, resilience, and a heart to serve her community and the Lord. May she serve as an example to students and staff alike through her commitment, tenacity, and leadership. Ma'am Chang's unwavering faith and confidence in God brought her to greater heights and a new calling, a calling she wholeheartedly continues to embrace.

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