three fulfilling years

Captured by Ashley / ashleysolitude.blogspot.com

I have finished my service obligation of three years to the country. 

I haven't written a blogpost about my work as a teacher ever since I was in DepEd in 2020. Many wondrous things have happened yet I failed to write one about it here. Probably it's because of how full my workloads were that I could not slow down and take time to put those thoughts into writing.

Now, before I embark another rollercoaster ride, I will enjoy this waiting season by reflecting the good things that happened in my 3 years as a teacher. It was a journey I am truly thankful for, and I have no regrets of taking that job 3 years ago.

Maybe I am just really lucky that I was assigned to Tomas Cabili National High School. I got in during the pandemic and it was just me and our principal who were in the school because everybody were working from home. Luckily, my first "boss" was my former teacher in elementary, whom I am close with because she's also my coach in a math competition before. Usually, newbie teachers tend to be overlooked because they still have to earn the trust and respect of their colleagues during their stay, thus they are given the harder tasks so that they'll learn something from it. My experience was different: I was raised to a certain pedestal that I was excellent because I am an engineer, and that I achieved many things, that is why I was given the harder tasks because they trusted me that I can deliver. The start was really hard hahaha all the pressure I felt gave me anxiety-- there was even a time I despised waking up early and going to work. But it truly helped me become a better person and I had a glimpse how the work is like in the government employee.

Nevertheless, the 3-year journey in DepEd had given me so much experience that I will surely give credit for the person I am today. Even though it was a place I never thought I would be part of, I still love the roles I was entrusted with during my stay: being a homeroom adviser, a STEM teacher, a research coordinator, a research teacher/panel reactor, graduation host, graphics/visual design graduation committee, etc. 

There are so many things I will miss. I've posted it on my work Facebook account: 

 

More than anything else, I am honored to be part of the lives of my students. They are truly the reason why I found my passion which is to teach. In my service, I realized how privileged I am for experiencing good and quality education all my life. I am also blessed with a loving family that supported me throughout my education-- which is a privilege not everybody has, especially my students in the public school.

I thank the Lord that He has let me seen this reality and moved me to work in the place He has entrusted me. I strived my best to be a good teacher, extending my services beyond the working hours, sharing my finances to those who are in need, and just being there when they need help. I do not know if I had done a good job, but that's why I truly appreciate the words of thanks more of my students than the words of praise of my colleagues. 

My student Ashley even made a blogpost for me-- https://ashleysolitude.blogspot.com/2023/07/a-timeline-of-thanks-to-maam-g.html --  I am soooo touched (esp as a person with a love language of words of affirmation). I am not really sure how I impacted my students in a way, and I will only know how if they express it, that's why I so much appreciate this. I don't really ask for much but I am very glad that my efforts are appreciated. (P.S. Ash writes so well! You should read her blogposts.)

Above all, I am thankful to the Lord for the strength He has given me to succeed in this journey. If ever I've been good in my work, it is because the Lord has been good to me.

I am actually very emotional to leave this place. This phase of my life just means so much. I know that this decision I had made will greatly impact the next years of my life, in a good way and probably in a bad way because I was well compensated in DepEd haha. But I know God is faithful, and everything will work out in the end according to His plans.

For this part of my life, I've met a lot of people and I hope I had made a mark one way or another as they had made a mark on mine. <3

I pray that one day I can give back to this institution. Thank you Tomas! Thank you DepEd! 

Last day to wear my uniform