Regine's Letter

Dear Regine,

I am not yet ready to let go because I feel like I haven't really taught you all a lot. Most of our times in class are consumed by reminding each of you how to properly behave inside the classroom. Or I have to be pulled out of the class because of some urgent meetings. Or fire/earthquake drills. There were even days that I felt like giving up.

I can only hope that all of you learned something from me. From all of us, your grade three teachers.

Because, me, Teacher Kat, learned a lot from all of you.

You may be the smallest in the class, but your voice has the highest pitch. At first, your classmates laughed at you because of your Visayan accent, but later on admire you because you were the fastest to learn English and Science. I will always remember you to be that kid whom I would always spend longer time practicing pronunciation because you keep forgetting them. I will do it repeatedly until you get it right. You had never given up on me. Never got mad. Never cried because I push you too hard to speak it right.

Thank you. If not because of you and your classmates, I wouldn't be having this pride of being a teacher. It is not a thankless job after all.

Thank you. For understanding that I can't really do everything. For keeping silent when I make that "teacher look" because I don't wanna shout or bang the desk anymore. Thank you for speaking out loud your thoughts and answers to my questions. Answers that would make us all laugh, ask more questions or simply make me feel that oh my, I am making you all think!

My dream for each of you is to fulfill your personal dreams and aspirations in life. Many years from now, I hope to see each of you happy and successful and ultimately, may you all grow up to be good and responsible citizens, partners and family members. If you ever become rich and famous, may you have the heart to extend your fortunes to the less fortunate and make your life an inspiration to others. But you need not be rich and famous at all. Just be happy with the life you have chosen.

As you all grow older, you would forget all about me since I am just one of the many teachers that will come into your academic life.

You were all my firsts in my first year of teaching and that will be hard to forget and let go. You were part of my first highs and lows as a teacher. You were part of my learning as a person. You are one of the many reasons why I teach and strive hard with others in making this country's educational system right.

So, thank you.

Years from now, remember that you have a Cher Kat to come home to.

Wishing you all the best,
Cher Kat