This was my life back in my home country. I had been a teacher in the Philippines for six years. Right after graduating from college, I started working immediately. For the first year, I taught elementary school, specifically grade 4 students. Then, for the next five years, I transitioned to teaching senior high school students, covering grades 11 and 12. Throughout my teaching career in the Philippines, I taught a range of subjects, including English, Science, and Research.

Teaching grade 4 was a delightful experience as I introduced young learners to fundamental concepts in various subjects. When I moved to senior high school, the dynamic changed significantly. Teaching older students was both challenging and rewarding as I delved deeper into complex topics, preparing them for college and future careers. In English, I focused on enhancing their communication and literary analysis skills. In Science, I encouraged them to explore and understand the natural world through experiments and critical thinking. The Research subject allowed me to guide students through the process of inquiry, helping them develop their own projects and fostering their investigative skills.

These were my students back in the Philippines—young minds full of potential and curiosity. I cherished the time I spent with them, witnessing their growth and development. The relationships I built and the experiences I shared with my students shaped me as an educator and left a lasting impact on my career.