TO THE KID WHO DREAMED OF BECOMING A TEACHER!

Dear Homer Wayne,

At this point, you’re probably dreaming of what you’re doing as a member of the so called noblest profession.

Your aspirations have been clear since day one—you want to be a part of your family’s legacy when it comes to the practice of education. You want to make a name for yourself. You want to be the best educator not only in your province but hopefully, all over the country. You’re currently imagining what school you’ll be entering into. You’re currently dreaming of the great things you could accomplish. You’re currently imagining yourself standing tall and strong—within the ranks of the teachers you idolize.

I hate to burst your bubble kid, but you’re still at the opposite end of that dream.

As of writing, your future self is still not a teacher. You are struggling in school—you cannot comprehend the perils of what a education student goes through every day. You are struggling in life—you seemingly cannot find the balance between when to study and when to rest. More often than not, you end up studying drained and exhausted. As of writing, your future self is starting to have doubts as to whether or not a degree in law is eventually for you—for us.

I know. It’s hard to imagine. Your youthful flare is still burning with pride and idealism. You are, after all, ‘gifted’ in the eyes of most people who support you. You have been made to believe that you are one of the best. Your confidence goes beyond what the skies have set. You are one ambitious kid after all. You can’t imagine yourself having doubts as to whether you can achieve a task or not—and that’s a good thing. Always keep that at the back of your mind, kid. Because while I have doubts myself, I still fight for what I believe is mine. And I got that from you.

However, let me give you a head start—the journey to the noblest profession is not as easy as you think. It is not as grand as you imagined. It is not as simple as writing some position papers and challenging everyone you know for a debate because you are “equipped” with knowledge of the education. What you hear from other people, and what you see in the movies—scrap them all the same. The stories they tell are but noise to what is real. The narratives you hear are but simplifications of a rather complex journey you cannot encapsulate in one sitting.

For starters, you’re wrong in thinking that the study will eventually make you smart. One thing is for sure—the study will make you humble. I know that you’ll try to overachieve because that will always be our nature. But for the first time in your life, you will know how to fail. You will know how it’s like to lose. For the first time in your life, you will be able to experience a weight on your chest, suffocating you until you give up. You will lose your anchor. You will have no north star. You will eventually find yourself drifting afar. You will hit rock-bottom—and it’s okay. Amidst all these struggles, you will find your way back. These dilemmas will teach you one lesson you’ve never learned in your lifetime—that you should get back on your feet and keep going.

Endure the pain and suffering. I know you can because I keep on doing the same. Don’t quit on yourself and don’t quit on your loved ones. You will be surprised how supportive they are and how they’ll guide you towards a path of realized dreams and visions. They will make you feel better. They will keep on telling you that you did not come this far only to come this far. They’d join you in your struggles and lift you up. They will endure the pain with you until the same becomes your strength to move forward.

Also, choose your friends and colleagues wisely. You’re wrong in thinking that education school will eventually be one big competition, and that those who walk alone will dominate the game. The study of education is a test on how you could deal with other people. It is a journey meant to be traversed in groups. It serves as a training ground of camaraderie and teamwork. Don’t be too late in realizing that no one survives education school alone. I’ve had my fair share of good friends and support groups with me today. They help me push through with all that’s happening. I do hope that you do the same. Those around you will eventually be your source of inspiration to move forward. All your dreams will form part of a vision bigger than the study itself.

As I see it today, the next generation is willing to correct the mistakes of today. The drive to do something good for the nation is evident in almost every student I know. From social media alone, one would see that there are a lot of future practitioners who can set the bar back to high standards. Almost every law student today wants to be a part of a society which is responsible and accountable to its members. Almost everyone wants to contribute. Almost everyone is progressive. Almost everyone is as idealistic as we are.

Lastly, do whatever you can to have your morals intact.

Because of all the temptations in the world, you must remain strong and forward thinking. Always be reminded that it is not always about you. The profession is not a mere tool to feel good about yourself. It is a tool to help and promote justice to those in need. While you already know that before entering education school, may I just remind you that the study will ingrain the same over and over again. And you must listen very well to the same, kid.

Because at the end of the day, what matters most is how you’ll eventually contribute to the betterment of our nation. What matters most is that you never gave up. What matters most is that you tried to be a catalyst of change by trying to be a part of the noble profession.

Good luck, kid. Very best of luck!

I know you’ll do good. I do hope that some days from now, everything will be better for the both of us as well.

#GetTheThreeLetters

A buff day again, my dearest KSA keeper, E-Portfolio! It was indeed to have this opportunity again to share how my fourth week at Ilocos Norte National High School and have the privilege with Mrs. Virgie P. Pascua - a wave of memories.

The day has finally come! Although it’s a little nerve racking, it’s also a huge relief. This morning we had our individual demo teaching at Grade 7 morning and Grade - 8 afternoon classes in the Exploratory Classes of Bread and Pastry Production under Mrs. Virgie P. Pascua.

Our RT gave me the topic HOW TO OPERATE THE OVEN in which I delivered the one major Learning Outcomes of the lesson - Operating and Lighting the Oven.

As I enter the room the students greeted us, and we noticed that it’s already 3:30 P.M but some students are not yet around, by the way there were 17 students in my class. I started the discussion at exactly 3:10. As I formally start our discussion, I greeted the students, did the necessary routine, such as checking of attendance and classroom management.

Then we had our short activity or the “APPETIZER quiz” about our topic. I also gave the students a chance to share their experience during their first time operating or lighting oven at their respective houses before we proceed to our topic that day. During our discussion, I noticed that they are all actively participating, listening, and I can see their eagerness to learn from me which boosts my confidence to face them.

Moreover, they even told us to return next semester. Regarding the activity, they will have their practicum on Thursday in which they will going to Operate and Light the Oven one by one.

We believe that this opportunity is another valuable stepping stone of developing our teaching profession.

To our ineffable great, dynamic and hardworking Filed Study Coordinator and Adviser, Doc Regie Boy B. Fabro, thank you for believing in our skills and for encouraging us to do our best in everything. Above are the photos taken during my demonstration at Ilocos Norte National High School with my Grade - 8 Lanzones class.

#GetThatThreeLetters