The world of teaching has always been complex and inundating and more often than not, immensely challenging. It is therefore not a wonder to find ourselves overwhelmed by ambiguousness of our chosen profession. However, it is through this confusion that we must find the affirmations of our worth and eventually afford ourselves with the immeasurable joys of teaching.
Amidst the chaos and noise in our environment, it is a joy to know that we are part of the journey of the world’s future: our students. That the small knowledge we plant and the way we shape young minds with your hearts, will have a big impact on how the future will be defined.
In spite of the long arduous, not fully compensated sacrifices, it is a joy to know that our labors are not in vain. The amount of love we pour on our students are not lost in sight for we do not know the extent of our influences on the students’ lives, just as Henry Brooks Adams quoted, “Teacher affect eternity; no one can tell where their influence stops”. This is a proof that our efforts, our influences cannot be measured.
Through the overwhelming varied activities the teachers face each day, the Eternity empowered us with strength and with a benevolent heart for creativity. As teachers, we are gifted with the minds that continuously seek to provide interesting and challenging tasks which can develop their minds to be critical thinkers, body to be fit for their battles to face, and a heart to adopt the challenges to come. It is our joy to have that special job of orchestrating intricate activities for their little minds and shape them to be the future full of innovative ideas.
Conversely, while teachers face the everyday test of disruptive students and lack of supplies, there is the overflowing of graces and hopes through hearts that are resourceful. It is a joy as a teacher to know that we are able to teach hunger for knowledge and to gain wisdom in facing the reality of life and eventually lay groundwork for lifelong learners in spite of some adversities.
Finally, what an immeasurable joy to know that the act of teaching itself is already a JOY. We are part of something greater than ourselves. We are part of instilling values, beliefs, experiences, and goals. We are part of teaching diversities, hard work, and most of all faith: faith in themselves, faith in humanity, and faith in God!
Indeed, there are sacrifices and pain but also immeasurable joy in the art of teaching. Be proud, we are TEACHERS!
By: Mrs. Marivic C. Casimero | Teacher I | City of Balanga National High School | Balanga, Bataan
