Conchita Razon, mother of singer Martin Nievera, once said that every life has a defining moment.
For some people, it is a triumphant event. For others, an inevitable predicament. As for me, the turning point was when I became a classroom teacher.
Who would have thought someone who dreamed of becoming a print or television journalist would end up as one of the so-called “unsung heroes?”
The decision to become a classroom teacher changed me tremendously.
When I started, I taught English at a private school in our city. I was an adviser to a Grade 4 class. My first year was filled with excitement, although I did wonder if I was ready to teach.
I really did not know what to feel and where to start. In some ways, teaching led me to my own cross.
I had no idea when I began that my Grade 4 advisory class was the problem group in the entire school. My coordinator said the office of the guidance counselor had reports of the class’ rowdiness.
When I heard this, my mind was filled with so many questions. I asked myself: “How can I be a good teacher to these students? How can I guide them and change their unpleasant behavior? What should be done to erase their bad image in the school?”
I was troubled, imagining the classroom as a constant battleground for teachers and students.
I thought I could not win but, as months passed, I was amazed to find out that my students were actually gifted and brilliant. I did not see any of their supposedly unruly behavior in my class.
In fact, I was delighted to see them obeying my rules and respecting me as their teacher-adviser without reservation.
They did all the tasks in my class, seemed to enjoy every lesson, participated actively in our activities and listened attentively during discussions.
They said they did not experience the enjoyment they had in my class in the English subjects they had before. I wondered if they were the same students who had gained notoriety.
Have I done my duty to teach them well? Considering their performance, perhaps yes. When they told me how much they enjoyed my class, I knew I loved teaching.
I thought that after handling my first class, I would go back to school and pursue my dream to be a journalist.
But teaching proved to be fulfilling. It is such a priceless feeling to see the students’ enthusiasm for learning because of you. It is a joy to know your work and efforts are appreciated.
I know that teachers often feel desolate and isolated, getting little recognition. I also know that teaching does not lead to a pot of gold. But this would not keep me away from teaching.
In teaching…
I learned to live
I learned to give
I learned to embrace
I learned to race
I learned to listen
I learned to befriend
I learned to serve
I learned to curve
I learned to smile
I learned to style
I learned to share
I learned to care.
Dennis Solis, 25, is a public school teacher, writer and dance enthusiast. He is an alumnus of the University of Luzon, Dagupan City.