Part of being a teacher is a chance to be closer to your students. Getting to know their academic endeavor and even their personal lives. I had this student in the year 2015, who was at the top of the class roster of honors. However, we were not close. Our relationship was just very typical for a teacher and student. Although she was very active in class, I never had a chance to get to know her better.
On the deliberation of honor students, I was very shocked to know that she was not able to make it to the top and even with a single medal. We were near each other, so I saw her controlling her emotions. Afterwards, everybody left the room and I went to her, without saying any word, I hugged and rubbed her back. I looked at her eyes and posted a very good smile.
Years had passed. One day, while inside my classroom, I heard of a familiar voice, so I looked at the door. I saw her wearing uniform of a student-teacher. “Thank you for the hug and smile mam, now I am studying education and hoping that someday I will be able to give the same inspiration you gave me”. My heart rejoiced – I am a teacher.
Many times in our lives, we are in a situation where we don’t know what to say, particularly when we are poised with so much emotion, but the instinct of a teacher to share love, care and compassion can always be felt in any form. We may have different ways to express our concern, but the most significant matter is we are genuine and real not just in compliance of our duties and responsibilities, but also of our dedication and commitment.
As what Henry Adams said “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops”. Let us always remind ourselves of our true function in this platform. More than inculcating knowledge and skills, we are more liable to inspiring, motivating and encouraging our learners and other stakeholders, so they will realize their optimum function in this changing society.
By: Angela Racquel A. Marzan | Teacher I | Sta. Rita High School
