In gratitude for the simple things in life
Wow! My first blog ever. Well, I never believed in blogs and I thought that It was weird to post your life in public. But I guess there are things that are truly worth sharing. I am writing this blog primarily because of gratitude. This morning, It was a surprise to get a friendster testimonial from my student Patrcia Wong of II-Meekness. She was a quiet student but truly smart. It was humbling to know the things that I do spontaneously could have an impact on someone. It is true indeed that you'll never know when the simpliest of hello could mean a lot to some people. And that's how it's always been in teaching. Teachers are rich emotionally because it is the simple thank you's , cards , acts that makes it all worth it. I know that it is never too late to say my gratitude so I'll do so the first chance i get with my old teachers. My friend Je has recently reminded me that actions speaks louder. I have always felt guilty for being a new teacher, thinking that I have short changed them because of my lack of knowledge and experience in teaching. But i guess what surpassed or compensated for all those was the sincerity that was seen. I have to admit that I miss teaching every single day (Ms. Gutierrez would always nag me to let out my emotions! haha) but I guess my decision to leave was also out of love and a feeling of obligation too. I love my parents as much as I love my students. I'd want them to have a good life when they retire. If I don't help now, when then? When it's too late? I will hold on to this reason until i eventually go back to teaching (although I wish I could teach the xygenz batch once more, going back as a better teacher, it may not be that soon) for good :) I admit that I have not put so much into my work now as much as I did as a teacher. But slowly, I hope to fully get over the things that I miss soon. Now that I am no longer in the academe, It is my simple joy to hear from students once in a while and getting surprises like testimonials. Students who were not hesitant to have good chats with their teacher:) thanks. i was not close to my teachers back then!
I would like to make some special mentions: Lei Tan for her text that made my year complete :) , Vernice Liao for the specially made powerpoint presentation and for keeping in touch, Patricia Wong for including me in her article and the testimonial :) Therese Tan for the letter, Noreen Yeo & Alexis Go for inviting me to badminton, Tarlac and the card :) , Trishia Simeon for the philosophical conversations, Sabrina Go and IC for all the chats and free trial, Kara for the simple act of giving a chocolote that meant a lot, Sharleen Co for all the simple gifts and letters, Janelle Tan for the lunch at Shang Valerie Figuerroa, Sabrina Tan, Christine Braganza and Steph Yu for our Jack's Loft chat and all your stories, Keren Olisa for your openess and always bragging about my patience :) Chatter and Shanelle who always invites me to Ong Pin! That will push through one of these days :) Lindsey for the email :) . Tracy Lim for the simple note and saying that I was able to turn AP into a values ed class :), Rachael Ventura for the simple note also, Kim, Abby and Melo whose nagging I will miss, Angela Tan for sharing her wisdom and Andrea Soriano for loving AP despite being a raw teacher., Aimee Lim for always being thankful and Rachelle Yu for keeping in touch too, Angela Chua for the surprising text message and Dixie Tan for her apologies :) My goal for the year has been achieved because of all of you :) , Though not your teacher anymore, you know that you will always have an Achi:) I truly miss people calling me cher. Now, thanking the "adults" who will always be young at heart :) AP-ANNEX, thank you so much for making my one year of stay truly fun! for the warm welcome and nice memories. I learned a lot from you and will live by a lot of your words and wisdom :) Friendship does lie in the heart. No goodbyes:) Lynn, thank you for showing me how much my presence has meant to you. Will just be around.
There are some meaningful insights that I've gained as I work for the business too. I see how a simple free meal by the company means a lot to people to whom every cent matters. I am humbled and truly thankful for my status in life and thus make me want to share more. Sending my warmest hugs to everyone :) God Bless!
"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops" --Henry Brooks Adams
1 Comments:
Welcome to the wonderful world of blogging, and the wonderful world of dutiful daughters! As someone who knows exactly what you are going through, I congratulate you for your selflessness, courage and fortitude for giving up something you love for someone you love. E.L. Konigsburg wrote, "The very best gift of all is to give up your gift." Like you, I will miss teaching terribly, but I don't think I will ever regret giving it up to help my parents, without whom I would never have been a good teacher. I think you feel the same way.
Besides, once a teacher, always a teacher, and you don't have to be inside a classroom to influence lives, or affect eternity. :)
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