My Aunt, My Flashlight

I've always been contemplative of my disposition as an educator. Sir Isaac Newton was once quoted for saying,

"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants!"

I have definitely see further than most but I cannot claim that I have done it on my own for I have definitely stood on the shoulders of giants. One such giant upon whose shoulders I have stood is my mother's sister, Presentacion Santos Villamor. We fondly call her "Tita Bem". My aunt was my 6th and 7th grade teacher at Jose Abad Santos Memorial School (JASMS) way back in the 80's. I recall then that she was very loving and caring for her students (my classmates). I did not know it then but she was to become my role-model for what a teacher should be...comical, strict, dedicated, hard-working...yet still be compassionate, caring, inspiring, and loving. She was a woman of faith...and still is to this day! She had such a positive effect on people that she is someone you would want to be around with for as long as you can...no wonder her school (my alma mater) doesn't want her to retire just yet and keeps calling her back to service, long after she has actually retired!

Lately, I have been listening to a Jessie J song entitled "Flashlight". Part of the lyrics of the song goes as (I may have paraphrases some lines),

"When tomorrow comes,

...I'll be on my own, feeling frightened of the things I don't know

...though the road is long and in the darkness, I found lost hope that I won't fly..."

"I got all I need when I got you and I

...I'm stuck in the dark but you're my flashlight,

...you're getting me through the night,

...kick start my heart when you shine it in my eyes

...cause you light the way"

"You're my FLASHLIGHT!"

You may not know it, Tita Bem, but you are the flashlight that has lit my way all these years and has carried me through the uncertainties and insecurities I've had especially when I was just starting my teaching career at De La Salle University. You've set the example for me to follow and emulate. You've taught me that teaching is not a job, it's a vocation. And no one was more passionate about it than you.

They said that the true measure of success is in how many lives are better off because you lived. I can say for certain that you have touched so many lives not just in the Philippines but across the world, thru every life I have touched. Such is the ripple effect you have created just because I once had you as a teacher, role-model, mentor, and aunt!

Recently, I got recognized as Most Inspirational Teacher for the SY2018-2019. I am dedicating this award to you for being my inspiration! I love you, Tita Bem!

ADDENDUM:

On September 6, 2019, after 6 months of battling her cancer, Tita Bem parted from this world to be with her creator. I am just thankful that I was able to see her one last time to fulfill my promise to hand her the "Most Inspirational Teacher Award". I created this Ode to My Aunt as my way of commemorating her life and how much she has impacted my life and all the lives I have touched.

Last year, I honored her again during Teacher Appreciation Week, but due to the Pandemic, I recorded my honoring instead. Here is the link to that video: