Series of Realizations on my First Year of Teaching in a Public School (Part 1)

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1.19.2014
Sunday evening. MRT, homebound.

B: So, what do you wanna do after this two year fellowship?

Me (without even thinking): I just wanna find a job that would make me rich!

B: You see, this experience is really an eye-opener! Being poor sucks!

Hmm.... I don't wanna linger on her last statement. I'll discuss that some other time.

Me: A teacher can only do so much. Aside from us, there are other factors affecting this entire system. Kids happened to be the victims. Parental education should really be a priority, should include population education and family planning. Voters' education too. We need government officials who will really support education.

B: That is so smart! What you said are all true!

Me (in my head, wanting to scream at her face): I know, and being poor doesn't suck if you must know!

But no, I just kept silent.

Seventy days or lesser, SY 2013-2014 is about to close. My first year of teaching is about to commence. First half of my fellowship is about to be completed. Signing the commitment letter for my final year of fellowship is something I am still thinking of.

I thought, when I signed up for this, I knew what I had signed for. All I wanted to be is a teacher. I had never thought that it will be this hard, emotional and financially-challenging.


Times up for now.

(.....to be continued)

posted from Bloggeroid

Comments

  1. Jay21 January 2014 at 10:05

    That's why this profession is so noble. It does not guarantee you of a bigger pay but what it does is giving you the ultimate personal satisfaction when you see your former pupils achieved their goals in life and you have been a big part in reaching for it.

    Yes, it is hard, but it's as hard as any other job is. What you can do to lessen the burden of emotions when things don't work out so well as planned is by accepting the reality and doing your best using the other positive aspects of that reality. It's a matter of perspective - it's how you see things. Apparently, there are up and down moments, but it's a normal thing.

    Maybe, aside from you being a teacher who molds kids of how to fight for their dreams, you are also a student of life. A student that in a sense there is so much space you need to work out for your personal growth.

    And for that "B" person, I share your sentiment that being poor doesn't suck at all. Yes, some people are born without the golden spoon in their mouth, but God design them to be under such circumstance because God knows they can achieve so much if they just believe and work hard for their dreams. Riches won't come to anyone without sweating it out and crying a river of hard work in the process. That's why in life, there is this so called "optimism and pessimism". It's up to you which one will you choose, the former or the latter. For me, to be champion in life I'll aways choose the former. In any adversity we may encounter, there is this ripple of hope that is left with us. Just have a strong faith and stay in the light always.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yccos21 January 2014 at 21:14

      It is in writing and people like you all that I get external support... Yes, everything is a mattee of perspective talaga and faith :) Dadijay, youll make a good teacher :)

      Delete
  2. Anonymous21 January 2014 at 12:14

    Being a teacher is a satisfying profession. Soetimes my mom and I talk about her past students and wonder where they are now. She feels good whenever I tell her that a student of hers messaged me on Facebook telling me to thank her as she inspired them to dream big and do big.

    Yes, it is not financially rewarding. I had to maintain two scholarships to go to college. But it feels good knowing that my mom sponsored some of the school supplies a student of her needs. Despite of the salary, it feels good that my mom was able to bless someone. it feels good whenever I learn my mom counsels parents and students. I admire teachers. I admire my mom. You are the greatest game changers in the country. Seize the chance. Not everyone is given the opportunity.

    After a few years of teaching, you will feel good whenever a student of yours thanks you for all your hardwork. It will all be paid off.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yccos21 January 2014 at 21:16

      FSoQ, hats off to your mom for staying in this profession :) we are all game changers... Lets just keep doing our part. Results may not be easily seen, but eventually, they will... Lets never lose hope and keep doing our part.

      Delete
  3. Marshee21 January 2014 at 14:03

    hah. inasmuch as it is noble. nobility can't exactly feed hungry tummies. sad but true. can't blame you for feeling that way. i'm tormented by the same thoughts now actually... we'll find a way. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yccos21 January 2014 at 21:18

      Hi Marshee, youre a teacher too?! Yes, we will find ways... Push lang nang push..

      Delete
    2. Marshee22 January 2014 at 13:01

      nope pero i left the private sector and i'm now finishing my grad studies, my heart wants to work for the government after this but a part of me wants to really earn more...

      Delete
    3. yccos22 January 2014 at 22:01

      i feel you on the earn more side... hehehe.. my parents are getting older every day, and i feel like i havent really given back anything yet. So really, after this, I just wanna find a far more high-paying job for my parents... nevermind my siblings...hahaha....kidding :P

      Delete
  4. Geosef Garcia21 January 2014 at 17:23

    Nice, umi-English sa MRT! *hahaha*

    After seeing you teach last week, na-realize ko na hindi ko kayang gawin ang ginagawa mo. And you are now doing that for almost a year! *whew* Lalo akong humanga sayo. In spite of your personal problems, nagagampanan mo pa rin ng maayos ang pagiging isang teacher. Payakap Bacon! *huuuuugs!*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yccos21 January 2014 at 21:22

      Seryoso! Hahaha.. English talaga sa MRT :P si B ay isang chinay na hindi marunong magtagalo pero dito na pinangank sa pinas at di kailanman alam ang paghihirap until pumasok sya sa pinasukan nya ngaun, minsan sobrang inosente ng mga comments nya, pero minsan, out of the blue, kainis sya.. Hahaha

      Kung alam mo lang kung gano ko kelangan ang lahat ng hugs in the world, every day... As in... Thank you :D

      Delete
  5. Joy22 January 2014 at 03:05

    I admired you for your dedication. Follow your heart and God bless you:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yccos22 January 2014 at 21:57

      thanks mamijoy! I hope to see you soon!!!!!

      Delete
  6. fiel-kun22 January 2014 at 13:39

    being a teacher is a noble profession. you won't get rich just by teaching alone. lalo na at sa isang public school ka nagta-trabaho at ang ating government ang nagpapasahod na kakarampot. BUT, hindi ka man maging rich financially, I believe very rewarding ang experience ng mga teachers like you Cher Kat. nagiging mayaman kayo sa mga karanasan sa pakikipaghalubilo sa mga iba't ibang tao at bata. Yumayaman din ang kamalayan ng mga chikitings dahil sa mga moral values and life's lessons na itinuturo nyo.

    *cat salute*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yccos22 January 2014 at 22:12

      I wanted people to stop seeing the teaching as a noble job. Its about time that we take teaching as a "profession" like that you should have acquired the skills to be called an expert. Sa Philippine context kasi, a lot of people see the Teacher Education as the least option in college. Like, if di makapasa ng priority course, Educ will be the last option. Dapat kapag ang Teacher Education, sa simula pa lang, andun na yung desire.

      True enough, Ive gained a lot of eye-opening experiences with this. Sabog-sabog man sa utak ko ang mga ideas, alam kong marami, kelangan ko lang ng time i-organize.. hahaha...

      As for values, every day is a struggle to keep one's moral values upright. I've slipped, a lot of times. Sana nga may natutunan sila, I may not see it now, pero in the future, sana nga may natutunan sila..

      Delete
  7. Unknown24 January 2014 at 20:44

    Well, sometimes passion and success where on different ways, It's a choice we ought to face most especially in this kind of society

    ReplyDelete

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