A purpose-driven career

FAICOL

I may be the teacher in the classroom but, truth be told, I learn as much from my students.

This keeps me going when I feel like slowing down and do not feel like giving my best in class. I have been teaching for close to 30 years, 25 of them  in San Beda Alabang, which I  consider my second home.

I have been handling reading and English language classes in all grades, except for a brief period when I was tasked to handle administrative work.

Although there was a time when I could not seem to find my place under the sun, I cannot now imagine another career that can  give me as much pleasure and fulfillment.

I have had my own share of ups and downs, as I tried to balance a demanding job and raise a family.

The workload never seems to get lighter and handling at least four classes daily can take a toll on one’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. But knowing that you have, even in a small way, opened new doors of learning to a child makes it all worth it.

I wake up each morning knowing it is going to be another grueling day, yet eager to experience the exuberance that being with the youth brings.

But I still cringe at the memory of my first year in a small school, handling a nursery class of about 10 pupils.

First day

My first day was a major disappointment. A child bawled her heart out while another screamed for her yaya to come back. Most of the kids seemed baffled by their new surroundings.

Parents, even some grandparents, were also in the classroom, keeping a watchful eye and sizing up their child’s teacher.

I dreaded the first week of preschool, worrying that I would have difficult pupils and embarrassed at not being able to pacify an agitated child.

But those years trained me to be more patient, understanding and compassionate toward the young learners entrusted to me, and to be thoroughly prepared and organized for each day’s activities. I no longer have moments of insecurity as I handle older pupils.

Gaining “competence and expertise” in teaching continues to be challenging. I had hesitated to pursue graduate studies, as I had to leave my comfort zone and say goodbye to restful and relaxing Saturdays. I did not expect that I would thoroughly enjoy the journey  to further education.

I would head home to the south of Metro Manila physically exhausted but brimming with new and transformative ideas. I did the voluminous paperwork not because I was required to do so but because I really enjoyed poring over required readings and finding meaningful connections to my own school reality.

I have shared these learning and insights with other faculty members and school administrators through the Center for Human Resource and Development Foundation.

I came into the job of facilitating seminars by accident. The assigned facilitator could not make it and I became a last-minute replacement.

There was much to be learned—pacing of activities, developing audience rapport, ensuring that there was a lively interaction among participants and much more.

I learned quickly that each group was different from the others and it was almost impossible to please all participants. But it also made me realize that we teachers have to continuously seek ways to improve our skills and be better facilitators of learning.

My journey is far from over. I look forward to spending the next years carving an improved version of myself.

Teaching is no longer just a means of livelihood but something that makes me truly alive, purpose-driven and committed.

Marivic C. Faicol teaches English classes in the Basic Education Department of San Beda College Alabang in Muntinlupa City.