Teaching is my bread and butter. This is the only job I know I am best at. I teach because I want to touch lives and inspire young minds to be great someday. It gives me incomparable fulfillment and satisfaction whenever I see my students open their eyes with curiosity and excitement once a new lesson is introduced to them.
Honestly, the best feeling is when my students would tell me that they appreciate everything I do. Receiving all the love from them through gestures and spoken language is motivating. It makes me love teaching even more.
But, like a coin with two faces, if you flip to the other side, teaching as a job can be a bit demanding too. Well, at least based on experience here in my country, the lovely PHILIPPINES.
It demands a big chunk of my time-from planning for the lesson to devising strategies in carrying out the planned lesson. Classroom management is another thing on the list-the cleanliness and orderliness of the classroom should be maintained as well.
Also, we are expected to have a vegetable garden outside the classroom. Yeah, amazing right? We are gardeners too. On top of that, we have reports and other paper works to comply.
These are just few of the many things we are expected to do as teachers here in the Philippines. I must admit that it could be stressful; but I strongly believe that it is just a matter of time management and finding balance to everything. I am grateful that my colleagues are my friends too because whenever we feel like stress is slowly eating us, we will together plan for ways to unwind and relax.
Here are some of the things we do together:
Cooking
In the school, we usually cook our food together because the bond we share in doing so is priceless! The fun is a bonus! Cool huh? Fortunately, most of us know how to cook; the others who do not know how would just help in any way they can. We often talk about anything under the sun while slicing spices, meat and vegetable. Mind you, it is enjoyable. Plus, it is a great way of learning new recipes. Usually, the food laboratory where we cook will be filled with echoing laughter and joy. Other than giving us our time to unwind, this activity gives us memories to cherish forever too. Memories which are genuinely done through friendship are the best!
Eating
It's so funny but this is an effective way to take a break from work. We often order food and devour them together. It is so relaxing. A perfect way to divert indeed. The jokes and chitchats we throw around the table inject happy thoughts, all the more, the resounding laughter that occupies the room we are in. Try it! It's invigorating. One time, I and my colleagues talked about the challenge of classroom management; especially, if one needs to manage diverse learners in one classroom. Sharing this thought somehow saddened us, so, we decided to order pizza to uplift the mood. Enjoying a handful of pizza, we pushed the stress away and was still ready to carry on that day! My favorite part to unwind by far! 😂
Going to the beach
It is a known fact that going to beaches gives us incomparable serenity that other places cannot somehow provide. The sight of the waves crashing to the shoreline is breathtakingly awesome. The close connection with nature is at its best by just smelling the breeze from the sea horizon.
It calms the senses and help us recharge. With this in mind, I and my colleagues make sure that we go to beaches at least once a year. Schedules usually fall during semestral breaks, Christmas breaks and vacation breaks. This way, we can give ourselves the chance to have fun outside the premises of the schools. We often bring our family every getaway. This is to strengthen our bond of friendship through knowing the people we love and treasure. In the beach, we would happily share food, play games and pleasantries. We have gone to quite a few beaches already and from one beach to another, we have collected precious moments that will forever linger in our hearts and minds.
Celebrating occasions
As teachers who are most of the time busy, we make sure that we do not miss important occasions like Christmas, birthdays and the like. We celebrate every important milestone and occasion together because the connotation of the word celebration to us is positivity. We give importance to each other; hence the reason, we give want to celebrate important moments together. Afterall, nobody misses a party of a friend right? So, we are all for it!
Certainly, it helps us take a break from a routine for a moment. Though for a moment, but the happiness it offers is everlasting. Every celebration is added to the precious book of memories we can share to our grandchildren when we get old.
During Christmas and teacher's day, we practice giving gifts to express love for each other. This is personally my favorite part of all the occasions we usually celebrate because I could really feel that love is in the air. What more is satisfying than an expression of love from a friend. We surely do not want to miss occasions like these. In fact, every one of us looks forward to this! The gifts may not be expensive, but it is the thought that counts right? We know that whatever we may receive comes from the heart and by that thought alone, we are more than satisfied. Oh! how precious friendship is!
Doing these things with the people I enjoy the company with is a blessing. This is just to find balance between work and life. Of course, without forgetting my ultimate goal as a teacher-to effect change.
What have I learned so far as a teacher?
Teaching is a wonderful world. It is a world which offers varied possibilities to learn, relearn and make others learn. A world that offers varied chances-a chance to correct and be corrected. How cool is that huh?
I have been teaching for ten years now and I can say that it is also a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I can be happy now and sad later. Crazy? But it is what teaching is. It could stir up various emotions at a short span of time.
To illustrate, let me tell you a scenario. Early morning last October 5, 2022, I was a bit worried when I arrived in the school. My classroom was still close, and every window was covered with curtains. I cannot look through. I was instantly worried and nervous at the moment, so, I immediately got my key and opened the door. When I opened it, my students shouted, "HAPPY TEACHER'S DAY" as they popped a party popper! My emotion then shifted from being worried to being happy! I felt relieved knowing that they were all fine. See? the wonderful world of teaching.
Furthermore, teaching enables me to be the best version of myself. It encourages me to strive harder in order for me to grow professionally, just so I could impart learning in the best way possible.
I have also learned that challenges in this world are endless. Not to mention, the demands that come with it, but I am more than ready for whatever it is that may come my way. I will make sure to find balance and incorporate fun in this amazing world I am in. I am proud to be a teacher! I hope you are too! Cheers noble heroes!
