Nostalgic

photo courtesy of Rocky Monteclaro of Panoramio site

June is back to school in the Philippines. This year, the normal class started June 1 for all public schools. I was a little bit Nostalgic and at the same time relieved from all the Rush of working as a teacher. For 12 years, I have a daily routine. I live in an uptown community at the southwest of my city and my workplace is located at the East. I have to travel 40 kms everyday. The commute was so tiring and the traffic was really killing me. There were times that the shuttle driver would pick me up at five in the morning and I have to leave without breakfast. I call the driver "Manong Ben" if not for his dedication as a driver, I will be in deep trouble with my superiors. Everyday, I have to endure six rides, wakes up at 4 AM, no normal breakfast (my fault), in school up to five in the afternoon, arrived home at seven in the evening (exhausted) but I still have to write my lesson plan for the next day. Whewww! Lovelife? Set aside. UGH! LOL! Looking back, I can only smile. Was I happy? Yes! Was I tired? Of course yes!
As a teacher, the profession was rewarding. The reward is not money matters. The reward was when my 50 students can read and comprehend and when I gain the respect of the parents in the community.

June to August are crucial months for first grade teachers in public schools. The new pupils usually do not have preparatory school. Only few attended nursery and kinder. Therefore, 70% of the class have no idea of school setting, doesn't know how to read, doesn't know how to write and first time to be away from home.

Teachers usually help the children understand the rules inside the classroom. Some children would come to school crying and afraid of the new environment. And when their parents pick them up so late, they will cry too. It is up to the teacher's creative strategy how to calm a child like this. Take note, we have 50 children inside the classroom with one teacher. I know, not an ideal ratio. That is the real scenario of Public Schools in the Philippines and that is the truth.

Teaching in public schools taught me to be humble and appreciate how blessed I am as a person. I saw poverty in the eyes of my pupils. There were at least 20% who come to school with out papers and pencils and with out snacks. I share my blessings to them. By giving them a pad of paper and a pencil would mean heaven for them who have nothing.

I missed my classroom and missed my old students. I still keep in touch with my co-teachers and help the school as much as I can. But, how I wish I could help more.