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!
