It all started on January 12, 2023 when we had an ocular visit at Tuba Central National High School (TCNHS) where I will be having my internship. The day before, I met my fellow student teachers who were also assigned to TCNHS. We quickly became comfortable talking with each other, which was thrilling for me because I typically have a small circle of friends. During our visit to the school, we were warmly welcomed by the coordinator, as the principal was away for a seminar. The weather was colder than in La Trinidad, so I noted to myself to prepare warmer clothes. I also met my cooperating teacher, who initially intimidated me. However, after spending a day in his class the following week, I realized that he was a kind person. Unfortunately, we were unable to find a boarding house after hours of wandering around the area, as they were already occupied by students due to the school's implementation of full face-to-face classes. As a result, I had no choice but to commute daily, which was challenging because I had to commute twice before reaching the school. However, I took this as a valuable opportunity to learn how to commute, as I still did not know how to navigate the area despite having lived in La Trinidad for years.

On January 16, 2023, I had my first class observation of the teacher. I was introduced to the students, who warmly welcomed me with their happy smiles and greetings whenever we crossed paths. I found this experience to be one of the most gratifying moments of being a teacher. The positivity of the students radiated within me and made my day brighter. However, there were also moments when I questioned whether I was suited for this profession, particularly when dealing with hyperactive and stubborn students. I realized that I was not naturally inclined to handle such situations. Fortunately, we were given two weeks to observe before starting our teaching demos, which allowed me to learn some strategies employed by my cooperating teacher to manage these situations. I learned that addressing students by their names could be an effective way to gain their attention and respect. Hence, I decided to make a layout of their seats and have them fill out their names.

On January 23, 2023, my cooperating teacher was absent, and I was left to handle the class alone. I was not prepared because the class started in the first period and I was just notified that same day. Fortunately, I knew the topic, so it went well. Initially, I was hesitant if I could manage the class alone, but I learned that confidence is key. I had to show the students that I was not joking around so that they would take me seriously. Knowing their names also helped a lot, as I observed that they behaved properly when I called them by their names. I was also surprised at how tiring it was to teach for a full day. I was responsible for two sections of grade 8 and three sections of grade 9, and even though the students spent most of their time doing activities, I still felt exhausted at the end of the day. Nevertheless, I was thankful that the students behaved well and gained confidence that I could manage finishing my internship.

One of the most challenging tasks that I encountered during my first month was grading papers. With five sections and around 55 students per section, it became a tedious and repetitive process. Initially, I found it interesting to assess the student's performance and review their solutions, but the repetitiveness eventually made me feel bored and exhausted. In addition, the illegible handwriting of some students added to the difficulty of the task. I found it helpful when the class was given the opportunity to score their papers, thereby lessening my workload. Through this experience, I learned the importance of maximizing class time for grading and designing assessment activities that are easier to score while remaining relevant to the lesson objectives.

Another unforgettable experience I had during my first month was dealing with diarrhea. It happened on the Friday of my first week, during the last period before lunch break. While observing the class and checking the students' quizzes, I suddenly felt sweaty and uncomfortable, knowing that I urgently needed to use the restroom. As soon as I finished checking the papers, I asked permission from my cooperating teacher to excuse myself, but unfortunately, there were no available toilets in the school due to clogging issues. I had to ask the sari-sari store outside the school if I could use their restroom, which they kindly allowed. Although I am not sure of the exact cause of my upset stomach, I suspect that it was due to overeating lumpia and siomai during recess on an empty stomach, as I had skipped breakfast that day. From that experience, I learned the importance of being mindful of my diet and maintaining proper eating habits. I now bring biscuits as a snack during break time and keep Loperamide tablets in my bag in case of emergency.

As I reflect on my first 12 days of internship, I can say that it was truly a valuable experience. Throughout those days, I observed my cooperating teacher and other personnel in the school, and I gained a lot of insights that I believe will help me become a better educator. I was able to witness firsthand how the school runs inside and outside the classroom. I have learned the importance of having the ability to deal with spontaneous situations. I know that these are just the first few steps in my journey as an intern, but I am eager to keep learning and growing in my profession. All in all, I am grateful for this experience and I am looking forward to the rest of my internship. I know that there will be more challenges ahead, but I am excited to face them head-on and continue developing my skills as an educator.