One Teacher, Two Stories
November 22, 2024
Fernando Cadayona is a 9th grade Language Arts Teacher at Mill Creek High School. He has been teaching for 10 years, not only in America but in the Philippines. Cadayona was born in Negros Oriental, Philippines, a very underdeveloped area. Growing up, he had to work very hard in school because in order to get a job in the Philippines you have to have a high education. Even though being a doctor was his first choice, he saw the opportunity to come to America and teach, so he took it.
To get to the U.S. Cadayona got into the Teacher Exchange Program, the program helps strengthen the bond between the U.S. and the Philippines. He was allowed to bring his family with him, but he still misses his home and all the unique parts that come with it. “I miss the food, the festivals, and especially the nature,” Cadayona said, imagining the beautiful islands, “In my hometown, I could see the mountains and the beach from my house. It’s a very different world here in America, but it has its own charm.”
Cadayona explains how Filipino students are very respectful and responsible, connecting to the culture’s large value of education. “Education is seen as the only way out of poverty in the Philippines If you don’t have an education, you have no future,” Cadayona said, showing just how much education can really affect people. On the other hand... Read more here mchschronicle.com/13215/features/one-teacher-two-stories/