Behind the Principal’s Desk

“Being a school paper adviser brings deep joy and pride to me,” says Ma’am Analyn Tejada as she delivers her speech in front of young delegates on the second day of the Division Journalist Training. Her passion for teaching young journalists knows no bounds—an inspiration for young minds to dream, to write, and to become something greater one day.

“What brings joy to me as a school paper adviser is seeing kids climb the stage to receive their awards and medals,” Ma’am says with a smile, as if recalling sweet memories of her young journalists being rewarded for their hard work and dedication. Regardless of their ranks—third, second, or first—Ma’am Analyn remains genuinely happy and content for her kids. Her training follows a rhythm of repetition and patience, year after year, for the sake of her students’ growth.

Ma’am Analyn shares that she loves teaching her trainees not only how to write articles, but how to write them right—especially on paper. Seeing her students learn how to hold their pens properly, to write neatly and with confidence, is something she hopes to witness through years of nurturing and practice.

“We’re not from a central school—we’re from a small town. Resources are limited, our internet speed is very low, and kids are not exposed to gadgets, especially computers. So as a school paper adviser, we provide it all,” says Ma’am Analyn. Her heart aches at the thought of her students being deprived of such tools when their eagerness to learn burns so bright. Yet, despite these challenges, she continues to guide them with consistency, offering every bit of advice she can to prepare them for opportunities like journalist trainings.

“We always make sure that the kids we train are completely ready to compete in the Press Conference.” Her dedication to preparing her students is nothing short of admirable. To be the reason behind their triumphs, to witness their wins and wear their pride as her own—that, for Ma’am Analyn, is a reward beyond measure.

With Ma’am Analyn Tejada as their school paper adviser, her students are more than just learners—they are dreamers in ink and paper. Through her guidance, they find the courage to raise their voices, to tell their stories, and to show the world what they are truly capable of.