My officemate and I took a break from work and she suddenly asked me about my life in St. Paul. I told her it was a fun place to be in except of course the paperwork. It was such an experience working there because of the people that I met. My life then revolved around my students.
My students were my source of strength and they were my inspiration. They can get into my nerves at times but they sure do know how to put a smile on my face and even make me laugh to death. With them, I learned to be a kid again most often than not. At the same time, I had to play the role of the teacher and the big sister. I laughed and cried with them. I was their stage mother, photographer, make-up artist, dance instructor, booster, stand-up comedienne rolled into one. I remember on my first year of GenSci with half of I-8, we would make our discussions fast so that by Friday, we can relax and share our jokes and life stories. Yup, life stories, Paulinians love that. They can be chismosa at times. Well at least with the ones that I handled. Ahahaha! It was also the same withe II-3 Dugtong Dugong. We were the regular yet special. We would always find a way to make our discussions lively. Okay fine, Bio can get a little boring sometimes. But I sure did had fun times in our Bio classes because of them. When I handled advanced Bio classes, it became more challenging because the students were really bright. I was always at the tip of my toes. But then I discovered that these bright students are also humans like us mga taga-Lupa (term from Okay Ka, Fairy Ko. In my classes it meant regular students). They can get disappointed easily but they are very resilient. I especially love Homeroom. It's an hour where I can get to know my students as they share their views and opinions. It's also an avenue of self-discovery for them. We sometimes find ourselves crying with one another as we listen to their sharings. Yes, I get affected when my students have problems. I look forward to class recollections because I get to see them cry a lot. Seriously, I get to know them better individually. I get to understand each of them.
With all the fun times, was I ever strict? I would have to say yes when it comes to their academics. I made sure that the reason that they are in school is to study and not just to socialize. Studying was top priority for me. I hated when they fail their quizzes, subjects or not study at all. I got furious when they don't submit their requirements on time. It frustrated me because I knew how hard their parents were working just to send them to school. I've seen a lot of parents cry over their daughters. I also made sure that they behave well at times needed ~ First Friday Mass, recollections, school programs, etc. But I wasn't overly strict, I sometimes let them do their own thing for them to make a mistake. I believe that if you control them more, they tend to be more rebellious. I observe a lot. I know what they do and I give them chances. How can I forget the time when almost half of my classs brought their cellphone without surrendering to the Homeroom Team Leader?! Ayun, may isang nakalimot na mag-silent. When it sounded during the exam, it had prompted the proctor to do an inspection. Bingo! A lesson well-learned for all of them! I was once a student and I knew their tricks though I can say they are a lot smarter these days due to technology.
I miss my students. I can actually spend a whole day just talking with them and reminiscing the old times. Whether it was GenSci 2001-2002 with I-1, I-2, I-4 or I-8 non-DD; Bio 2002-2003 with II-1, II- 2, II-3 or II-5; Bio 2003-2004 with II-2, II-3 non-DD, II-6 or II-8; Bio 2004-2005 with II-3, II - 7, II-8 or II-DD; Bio 2005-2006 with II-1, II-2, II-3 or II-DD. Every school year, every batch, every class, each one a journey, a learning experience for me. I may not remember all their names or associate to which batch they belonged to, but I sure appreciate the smiles and greetings when I see them in malls, MRT or anywhere. It touches my heart that they text me just to say they're doing well in their studies especially in Bio. Last year I bumped into a group of my previous students in a mall. They were with their college classmates. When they saw me, they hurriedly approached me and proudly introduced me as the bio teacher that they were talking about. Gosh, kakatouch! Aside from my students, I also appreciate the friendships that I have built with their parents. It's an overwhelming experience when parents recognize me. Naks celeb! Seriously, it's an affirmation that they trusted me with me their daughters and I was once their partner in raising them.
Should I go back to teaching? Nah, five years was enough. I quit before it drained me out completely. It was a bitter, sweet experience but I would definitely hold the memories in my heart and in my mind. Whoops in my hypothalamus and cerebrum pala!
