Message for teachers, parents and graduates
This week, moving up and graduation rites filled the calendars of our schools. And so photos of ceremonies are ubiquitous in Facebook pages. Please allow, through this column, my message for our teachers, parents and graduates–the most important people on this occasion.
The role of our teachers is unequaled. Quality has a corresponding cost. This is much glaring in our public schools where students are faced with financial paucity. Even if we say that contributions are voluntary, still there are costs that hinder our students from participating in activities. Teachers have to contend to this–with creativity, resourcefulness and patience, everything can be remedied.
The challenge of transforming students to better individuals remains a constant undertaking. By forging strong relationships, we can affect every aspect of their lives, teaching them important life lessons to help them succeed beyond term papers and standardized tests. Outside the school–where we assume crucial roles as parents, wives, husbands, brothers, sisters–we still manage to juggle all these and remain steadfast to our calling.
It is not exaggerating to say that a great teacher can change a student's life. Decades ago, as a budding teacher, there were times that I wanted to give up. But for me this meant inability to fulfill my goal: To touch young lives. In teaching, outlooks are formed, lives transformed.
On who we value most in our family, we would easily respond: Our children. We work because of our children, who we want to provide with good education. We don't want them to experience what we have been through-the hardships during our education years–hoping that it would be different for them in the future. But the parents are the most important members of the family. How one treats a wife or husband would be seen by the children, and the quality of interaction between the two is what we want our children to see.
To our student achievers, you are fortunate to have school administrators, teachers and parents who are one with the aim to provide you with good education. You are happy that the years of sacrifices have paid off; sad because there are people and happenings that are part of your past.
You have many dreams. On choosing a profession, some of you would like to become engineers, policemen, seafarers, programers, businessmen, teachers, etc. I appreciate it because it is in diversity that we can have professionals who can respond to our needs. Whatever field or discipline you will take in the future, I urge you to do well. Blossom where you will be. Be the best in everything. Life's hardships should serve as inspiration. There is no such thing as low-level or high-level profession.
Dream remains a dream when devoid of action and determination. My days were different from yours. When I graduated, I had to look for scholarships. But now, proceeding to high school, senior high school or even college is no longer a problem. You may opt to go to the same public education or in a private institution through the Department of Education's voucher program. When you proceed to college, your parents don't have to worry for your education anymore.
There is no reason a Filipino cannot have education he or she desires. Truly, poverty is not anymore and should never be a hindrance to attaining your dreams. Fulfillment of your dreams is the realization of your family's dream. Continue to work on your dream, which you have to work for and be determined to fulfill. Be a better person someday, a selfless one, willing to extend a hand to others and the community.
To the parents, continue to encourage your sons and daughters to maximize their potentials. To our teachers, kudos for a job well done! To all our completers and graduates, congratulations!
- Latest
