In a seminar attended by professionals, the speaker asked everyone to introduce themselves, share what they do in their profession, how it helped their financial capability and impart some idea on how they were able to affect and contribute to the society.

DOCTOR: I’m a surgeon in St. Luke’s Medical Center, BGC.  And as we all know, St. Luke’s is one of the most popular medical institutions in Asia. Having said that, I am being paid by the company far greater than a regular surgeon in other hospitals do. With that, I was able to buy cars for myself, my husband and my children. I was able to send my son to US for his studies.

          As a doctor, our main role is to cure those who are sick. Without us, there would be high death tolls due to various diseases.

Everyone clapped.

HOTELIER: I’m the general manager of Hotel Sofitel Manila which is a five star hotel and renowned not only here in metro manila but all over the country and the region. With this position, I am earning six digits, nearly seven when taxes are included. I have my own resort in Palawan, which is managed and operated by my son and my daughter.

          As an hotelier, we provide hospitality and leisure to our guests who seeks quality service and utmost care. Without us, tourism would have been boring and constant.

Everybody clapped.

POLITICIAN: I’m the governor of my province. I belong to a family of politicians. With decades of our regime in the province, we were able to have several properties aside from our mansion located in one of our islands. By the way our house is guarded by 24 bodyguards to keep my family away from threats.

          As a governor, I take responsibility of the entire province. Giving what my constituents need and spoon-feeding them what they want. Without us, there would be no developments in our local regions.

Everybody clapped.

ENGINEER: I’m a licensed civil engineer. I run my own construction company that contracted the famous buildings in metro manila such as the Equitable tower in Makati, Cityland condominium in Quezon City, Supermalls in Paranaque and a lot more. In just one high-rise building deal, my company could get millions.

 

          As an engineer, we build cities. Without us, there would be no urban development.

Everyone clapped and wooed the engineer. It’s the teacher’s turn to speak for herself. The room was so silent, everybody is obviously waiting for what the teacher has to say.

TEACHER: Good morning distinguished friends. Ahm, to introduce myself, I’m a teacher, a poor teacher.

Everybody laughed at her and the teacher was very humiliated with how they reacted. But she stood up and continued.

 

“Yes, you heard it right. I’m just a poor teacher. I don’t have wealth to boast in front of you right now.

I don’t have a car, I only have my strong feet to walk going to the school where I teach.

I don’t have a resort, I only have a backyard planted with vegetables.

I don’t have a mansion guarded by bodyguards, I only have a bungalow safeguarded by my neighbors.

 I don’t have millions on the bank, I only have a coin bank made of bamboo. By the way, I am reserving for my son’s birthday.

 

But let me tell you my dear friends, that I am richer than all of you. For I have something that your money cannot buy, I have Happiness and Humility. My happiness in doing my passion lifts my spirit up high while keeping my feet on the ground. Those appraisals from others and seeing my students succeed in life, for me are the most precious gems put together as a crown and makes me the wealthiest.

Let me proceed on how a teacher makes a difference.

We don’t just cure sick people, we prepare them to have self-resistance and immunity from sick of life.

We don’t just provide hospitality, we provide a second home to our students.

We don’t just spoon-feed the citizens, we help them ready to stand on their own.

We don’t just build a developed city, we build a strong society.

Now, with all due respect, let me ask you fellas, “WITHOUT US, WHO ARE YOU?”

 

            The teacher sat down and she left everybody’s mouth wide open. They all felt ashamed for laughing and making fun of the greatest professional among all of them inside that room.

By: Gloria B. Crisostomo | Teacher III | District ALS Coordinator Pilar Elementary School