THE UNTOLD STORIES BEHIND THE HANDS THAT SHAPE OUR FUTURE

Every teacher carries a story, and somehow, they become part of ours too. They’re the reason we dreamed a little bigger, stood up after failing, or found the courage to believe in ourselves when it felt impossible. This Teachers’ Month, let’s celebrate not just the lessons they’ve taught, but also the patience, kindness, and sacrifices they’ve given—often in ways that go unnoticed, yet stay with us forever.

Written by: Courtney Garrido

Layout by: Angel Marigondon

October 6, 2025 | 8:55 PM

“Teaching is the one profession that creates all other professions.”

Behind every successful professional, whether a doctor, lawyer, artist, or leader, stands a teacher who believed in them first. Teaching is more than a job; it is the foundation of our futures.

Every year, from September 5 to October 5, we celebrate Teachers’ Month. But one month will never be enough to honor them. Because they’re more than just teachers; they become mentors, second parents, and sometimes even our greatest cheerleaders.

People think teaching is an easy job—just making lesson plans, giving tests, and checking papers. But the truth is that it’s so much more. It’s carrying the weight of young dreams on your shoulders. It’s staying up late, fixing tomorrow’s lessons even when you’re exhausted. It’s choosing patience on days when the world already feels too heavy. It’s wiping away a child’s tears. It’s cheering for the student who’s ready to give up. It’s listening when no one else bothers to. 

Beyond those four walls of our classrooms lie the untold stories of teachers. Each teacher carries their own journey, their own experiences, and their own stories that they may share.

Just like Sir Galyay, a young teacher fresh out of college. Teaching had always been his dream. On his first day, standing in front of his class, he thought, “I’m living my dream.” But underneath his excitement was fear—the fear of failing and of not being enough for his students 

There were times when doubts filled his mind. He wondered if he had chosen the right path. But whenever he felt weak, he found strength in the people who believed in him—his family and his students. Their support reminded him to keep going.

Then came a moment he’ll never forget. His student once told him, “Sir, first time ko po magkaroon ng teacher katulad niyo! You’re the best teacher, po!” Those words washed away his doubts. He realized he was in the right place and he wasn’t just teaching lessons—he was changing his students’ lives. 

Then there’s Sir Oracion. He has been teaching at MCS for half a decade. When he was a young student, he had teachers who believed in him even when he didn’t believe in himself. That stayed with him, and it inspired him to do the same for others. And now, he’s the one standing in front of a class, doing for his students what his teachers once did for him.

Though teaching hasn’t been easy for him. From face-to-face classes to the sudden shift to online learning during the pandemic, and then back again to in-person teaching, he’s had to adapt and adjust due to constant change.

But through all the changes and obstacles, it was his students who kept him grounded. Their curiosity. Their eagerness to learn. The strength they showed, even when they were going through their own battles.

They may have started teaching at different times, but Sir Galyay and Sir Oracion share the same reason for staying. Because that’s what teaching really is.  It has never been about formulas, dates, or grammar rules. To teach is to touch a life forever. 

Ask your parents about their favorite teacher. Most of the time, they won’t talk about the subject or the grades—they’ll remember the kindness. They’ll remember the times their teacher picked them up when they were feeling down. The lessons that stuck even years after they left the classroom. The little jokes made school a bit lighter. And the moments when that teacher believed in them, even when they didn’t believe in themselves.

Those things don’t make the news. You won’t see them written in books. But they stay in the hearts of students forever. And that’s what makes teaching truly extraordinary.

So on Teacher’s Day, let’s go beyond flowers and thank-you cards. Flowers may wither and cards may fade, but what lasts is the respect and support we show them every day. 

Let’s make a promise to honor our teachers not just once a year, but every day, in every way, by living out the lessons they have given us.

“The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you.” – Dan Rath

Happy Teachers’ Month to our second parents, mentors, and our greatest cheerleaders.