Henry Adams once said that “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” This adage is very popular to most of us. I am sure we all have favorite teachers who are never forgotten even after many decades have passed. As the world celebrates Teacher’s Month this October let me offer my gratitude to my teachers who have made a difference in my twenty-something years of existence.
To my elementary teachers who taught me all the basics in life, merci beaucoup! To Ma’am Gumabon (Grade 1) who used to slap us with her long stick when we made mistakes and when we were rowdy, thank you because at an early age I learned the meaning and essence of discipline. To Ma’am Medina (Grade 2) and Ma’am Tope (Grade 4) who taught me the virtues of gentleness and kindness, thank you. To Ma’am Jose (Grade 3) and Ma’am Suasi (Grade 5) whose strict attitude made me realize that teachers must really prove their authority in the classroom, thanks! To Ma’am Culas (Grade 6) who inspired me to write, my hats off to you Ma’am! I remember that the very first poem that I wrote was dedicated to you. Moreover, thanks for tirelessly welcoming me to your home and for treating me as one of the members of your family.
I would like to add my English teacher in Grade 5, Ma’am Carreon who repeatedly pushed me to recite “All Things Bright and Beautiful.” My heartfelt thanks ma’am because when I am down and out the poem reminds me of God’s wonderful creations.
To my high school teachers who made my teenage years meaningful, you deserve a bouquet of orchids! To Ma’am Reynoso (1st Year) who unleashed our creativity in class, thanks because you made our lives more colorful. To Ma’am Lopez (3rd Year) who introduced us to the wonderful world of literature, thanks for inspiring us to read novels and essays. To Ma’am Sayson (4th Year) who first called me “Emy” because she did not like my real name, thanks ma’am for the valuable lessons you imparted to us. You are one of the reasons why I chose to take AB English in college. To my P.E. teachers Ma’am Farin and Ma’am Ong, thanks for proving to me that I do not have two left feet. All the dance presentations and contests that my classmates and I joined hopefully attest to that.
To my college teachers who exposed me to the intricacies of the real world, I salute all of you. To Sir Montesa (English 1) who pushed us to our limits and who did not tolerate our errors, my sincerest thanks! To Sir Cariaga (Philippine Constitution) who is now with our creator, thanks for teaching us to assert our rights and privileges when necessary. Your favorite line “Dugay ka na ha Maynila tonto ka pa gihapon” is vibrating on my mind until now. To Ma’am Fermin (Practicum) who went out of her way to teach us not only her subject matter but also about love of God, service to the church and its people, thanks Ma’am. To Ma’am Cariaso (Practicum) who trained us at the Laboratory High School, thanks for your patience ma’am. Thanks for teaching us the values of integrity and loyalty. Thanks for exposing us to the mystifying world of Greek and Roman Mythology. Because of you I am reminded of my own Achilles’ heels. To all my professors from COABTE now COEd thanks for teaching us the foundations of education. To Ma’am Venegas who forced me to love a subject that English majors hate the most, thank you ma’am because you taught me the value of perseverance. To all my college professors (sorry I cannot mention all your names because doing so will mean I have to write a novel) my deepest appreciation for your effort in molding our hearts and minds.
To my professors in the graduate school then and now, you all deserve a standing ovation. Thanks for challenging us to be better educators. Thanks for believing in our capabilities and talents. Thanks for reminding us that teaching is a vocation we must really be proud of.
To my students who are also my teachers in one way or another, thanks for bringing sunshine to my life. Believe it or not, I am learning a lot from you in our everyday encounters.
To my Mom, my first Mila, thank you for teaching me not only the rudiments in academics but also how to respect people and authority, how to overcome odds in life, and how to live my life to the fullest. Aside from the numerous nursery rhymes and chants that I learned from you, the way that you lived your life is the grandest lesson you have taught me. You will always be my hero.
Lastly, to the Lord Almighty, the greatest teacher, I owe my knowledge from you. I hope I can give justice to the profession you assigned to me.
To all my colleagues in the academe, my former teachers, and my former students who are now in the teaching force, HAPPY WORLD TEACHER’s DAY! Kudos for a job well done! MABUHAY LAHAT NG MGA MILA!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Saturday, September 4, 2010
My Prayer
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in Him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing. (John 15 1:17. )
Lord, I acknowledge the fact that it's not easy to follow you. Its not easy to serve you. Along the way. I know that I will stumble and fall. I will experience many hardships but with your grace and your presence I'm hopeful that I can serve you through this ministry.
As you said in order for you to grow greater in my heart, I must grow smaller. In other words, in order for you to increase, I must decrease. Sometimes I am impatient with what is going on in my life. I also have a tendency to boast what I have accomplished but then I know that you are teaching the essence of humility. That being humble is better than being proud.
The call to serve the ministry is an enormous or daunting task but I know that I can also serve by just LOVING. As you said in the book of Ephesians, "Follow Christ by loving as He loved you." Grant me Lord, the grace to love the LOST, the LAST and the LEAST. Remind me always to share your abundant blessings to others who need it the most.
Lord, grant us all good health, strength, and wisdom for us to continue serving you and others. I know that I have to give up worldly things but I am assured with your love and your promise that you wil never leave us nor forsake us as long as we are with you and you are with us. AMEN.
Lord, I acknowledge the fact that it's not easy to follow you. Its not easy to serve you. Along the way. I know that I will stumble and fall. I will experience many hardships but with your grace and your presence I'm hopeful that I can serve you through this ministry.
As you said in order for you to grow greater in my heart, I must grow smaller. In other words, in order for you to increase, I must decrease. Sometimes I am impatient with what is going on in my life. I also have a tendency to boast what I have accomplished but then I know that you are teaching the essence of humility. That being humble is better than being proud.
The call to serve the ministry is an enormous or daunting task but I know that I can also serve by just LOVING. As you said in the book of Ephesians, "Follow Christ by loving as He loved you." Grant me Lord, the grace to love the LOST, the LAST and the LEAST. Remind me always to share your abundant blessings to others who need it the most.
Lord, grant us all good health, strength, and wisdom for us to continue serving you and others. I know that I have to give up worldly things but I am assured with your love and your promise that you wil never leave us nor forsake us as long as we are with you and you are with us. AMEN.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Humility counts
Truly, humility counts. One good example is Willie Revillame who stood by what he said about a reporter in ABS-CBN. If only he was humble, Wowowee would still be on air, helping thousands of people, touching the lives of many.
Sometimes we should let go of our pride specially if its for the good of many. God Bless us all!
Sometimes we should let go of our pride specially if its for the good of many. God Bless us all!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Secrets to Long Life
I attended a program this afternoon. At first I thought it was just a simple gathering for Catholics but then I was wrong.
After the mass, a group of young men and women gathered on the stage to sing joyful and praise songs. They also shared stories, some funny but most of them full of lessons.
These are the ideas that lingered on my mind... the Secrets to Long Life:
1. OPEN UP
They said that it's better to keep a lot of friends than be a loner. Having someone to share our thoughts, opinions, dreams, and aspirations will lengthen our lives.
2. TOUCH
We all need to be touched in one way or another. It may be a handshake, a pat at the back, a hug, a kiss or any kind of touch just as long as it wont hurt us. We also ought to touch others in a nice way.
3. SERVE/ VOLUNTEER
When we serve others witout getting anything in return--- that's the best way to serve God. There are many avenues to serve Him and his people. Offer your talents.
4. ACCEPT
Don't live in the past. Focus at the present happenings and just pray for the future. Worrying won't do anything good.
After listening to the talk, I've realized that I have so much to do. I need to open up to more to people. I need to touch more. Be more caring and sensitive to the needs of others. I need to volunteer. I need to offer my talents to God. And lastly, I need to accept things as they are. I have to be more patient and more lenient to situations and people around me.
May we all live up to a hundred! Enjoy life! Keep on reading!
After the mass, a group of young men and women gathered on the stage to sing joyful and praise songs. They also shared stories, some funny but most of them full of lessons.
These are the ideas that lingered on my mind... the Secrets to Long Life:
1. OPEN UP
They said that it's better to keep a lot of friends than be a loner. Having someone to share our thoughts, opinions, dreams, and aspirations will lengthen our lives.
2. TOUCH
We all need to be touched in one way or another. It may be a handshake, a pat at the back, a hug, a kiss or any kind of touch just as long as it wont hurt us. We also ought to touch others in a nice way.
3. SERVE/ VOLUNTEER
When we serve others witout getting anything in return--- that's the best way to serve God. There are many avenues to serve Him and his people. Offer your talents.
4. ACCEPT
Don't live in the past. Focus at the present happenings and just pray for the future. Worrying won't do anything good.
After listening to the talk, I've realized that I have so much to do. I need to open up to more to people. I need to touch more. Be more caring and sensitive to the needs of others. I need to volunteer. I need to offer my talents to God. And lastly, I need to accept things as they are. I have to be more patient and more lenient to situations and people around me.
May we all live up to a hundred! Enjoy life! Keep on reading!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Uno
This is my first time to try blogging. I must admit I love writing but I must also admit that during the past five years I lost my love for it... maybe because I was too busy doing other things. Today, I
made a decision to write again... about my travels, collections, hobbies, activities, opinions, family, friends, profession, cravings, dreams, and all about my life... allow me to tour you in all my passions as I sit in my lavender couch! Happy reading!
made a decision to write again... about my travels, collections, hobbies, activities, opinions, family, friends, profession, cravings, dreams, and all about my life... allow me to tour you in all my passions as I sit in my lavender couch! Happy reading!
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