Student reflects on life’s lessons learned from classroom, thanks teacher

Ateneo de Manila University lecturer shares a heart-wrenching story of his student, who applied his teachings to life. Photos courtesy of Jehu Laniog/Facebook

A 26-year-old lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University shared a heart-moving note he received from his student who reflected on his social sciences lessons and applied them to everyday life.  

On Facebook, Jehu Laniog posted one of his students’ answers for his class requirement about relating the things they have learned from the readings, lectures and class discussions to themselves.

The student applied the concept of decoloniality—a perspective that aims to break away from the philosophy ingrained by oppression and colonialism—to delink their hunger for success and prioritize their humanness. 

“In the case of the student, they saw that grades dictated a large part of their life, that they forgot to be a person for others because they wanted to ‘succeed’ in life. But it’s not just high grades that a college student needs to get if they don’t know who they are,” Laniog told the Inquirer. 

Meanwhile, Laniog expressed his enthusiasm for seeing his students learn from his class beyond textbook definitions. He noted that he feels content witnessing his students find humanness and hone themselves to become better persons. 

Laniog also advised people who can relate to his student’s story to value human connections and relationships as these will make hardships bearable. 

“Life becomes difficult because we feel alone. But […] many people are going through the same thing, and finding a community that supports you and what you are going through is one of the most powerful things. […] Remember to always hold on to a support system; life is hard, but it gets easier when we value our connection with others the most,” Laniog advised.

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