THIS World Teachers’ Day, Malaya Business Insight shares some notes of gratitude from students for their revered teachers who kindled their fires, left a great impact on them, and made a difference in their lives.
“Ma’am A” or “Nanay A,” as Rodel Narvasa would always call her, was not just an outstanding teacher but also a teacher-mother to her class, willing to risk everything in the name of love for her students-children.
“No other teacher could out-do her,” Narvasa said of Arquiza who pushed him to aim for the top, helped raise him to be a dreamer, and embedded the virtues of being “tunay, palaban at makabayan.”
John Israel Cunanan’s initial plan was to pursue Information Technology. He eventually realized his inclination for the liberal arts as semesters passed.
His decision was settled when he took up ‘Western Civilization 3’ under Marco.
Cunanan said the distinguishing mark of her approach was to require students to read portions from the primary sources written by the Enlightenment thinkers. He added the subject was one of the primary reasons why he is in the field of education.
For Joanna Rose Ladaran, learning philosophy always becomes inspiring, relevant, and exciting because of teachers like Caslib who constantly inspire students to become better versions of themselves.
Ladaran recalled one of Caslib’s lectures, saying that people had to know their timing and definite space in this world. “Along with knowing yourself is also knowing your place,” she noted, “you have to know where you can maximize your potential.”
It was Franklin de Guzman who taught Carl Jaymar Cariño how to be critical and widen his perspectives on the possibilities of reality.
Cariño remembers being told that “life is a matter of taking risks.” One cannot explore the beauty of life and reality when there is no willingness to plunge deeper, De Guzman noted.
These words made him realize that “life’s journey is a matter of willingness to accept changes and explore things outside of our horizon,” Carino said.
“He is the kind of professor who will not look down on you just because you don’t know many things,” Kriedge Chlaire Alba said. “He would help you learn more without invalidating what you already know.”
Sharing academic opportunities — publishing articles, participating in international seminars, and availing international scholarship programs — is one of the many things Alba would remember about De Castro, who never ceases to encourage one to go out of their comfort zone.
De Castro’s kindness is seconded by Joshua Cedric Gundayao, pointing out that “he would always open doors for everyone.”
Glenn Gonzales was fascinated by De Ocampo’s faith, and dedication and excellence in teaching.
“De Ocampo poured her heart out in lectures, and ensured that students in her class would understand her lessons,” said Gonzales. She witnessed his tears and joys in school, and as a teacher-mother was always ready to make students understand things.
Aside from her mom and dad being her first language and math teachers, Junice Nepomuceno recognizes her aunt, Aja, as her very first Sunday school teacher.
“Joining her Sunday school was stepping stone for me to go out of my comfort zone and learn to socialize with other kids of my age,” said Nepomuceno.
Nepomuceno’s teacher taught her how to pray, sing, and dance for Jesus Christ. One time, she was told to lead a prayer and Aja stayed behind her dictating the prayers knowing how nervous she was.
“She taught her Araling Panlipunan lessons very well and explained complex ideas in a simple way,” Ariel Albuero shared. Appleton kept her class interesting, was a role model for students, and inspired Albuero to teach.
Meanwhile, the following great people who have done the most to shape others’ lives are also honored, appreciated, and celebrated:
Apart from showing them appreciation and celebrating their perseverance and hard work, teachers should never be left behind especially in this time that they are faced with a new set of challenges caused by the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic.
Relevant training and support should be given, actions that will advance their professional development should be provided, and other existing educational issues and concerns that affect them should be addressed.
Everyone has to stand up for the education’s first responders and help make changes that will transform their lives — not just their students.
Happy World Teachers’ Day as well to those who have been considered, treated, and called by others as teachers because of their contribution — big or small — beyond the school walls in many ways.
