We love because God first loved us. I John 4:19 (ISV)

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

For the Love of Teaching

As a young kid, everytime I was asked what I wanted to become when I grow up, my top two preferred professions were teacher and newscaster.  When I was in grade 2, I enjoyed teaching some of my classmates who had difficulty in reading. In the same manner, watching newscasters in the television really fascinated me. Back then, my mind was set to becoming either a teacher or a newscaster. However, I pursued another track as I took up Behavioral Studies in the university. Upon graduation, I would have wanted to teach in the college/university but I did not pursue such desire because I knew I fell short of the qualifications as I lacked a masteral degree then. I opted to pursue a career in the Human Resources. I just didn't realize it but I have been enjoying my HR career for a decade now and kinda forgot about teaching or newscasting. Yet my love for teaching is still deep inside me. 

Yes, I love sharing to a crowd what I know, or better yet, I love teaching. When I was a university student, I was so elated when one of my favorite professors at the University of the Philippines Mindanao remarked I just had a perfect oral report in class. Hearing such remark was quite a "high" for me then. Some of my classmates also confirmed that indeed I have the skill in teaching.

I left my HR work in a retail company two years ago because of my great interest to work in the academe. I have been working as Training Officer in one of the reputable colleges in Davao City. A wonderful opportunity knocked my door when I was offered to teach part-time under the Psychology program of the college. With all candor, I could say I taught my Industrial Psychology students with passion. Every time I prepared my lesson, I always looked forward to sharing my knowledge and practical experience in terms of Psychology in the workplace. When my class was observed on the special topics on Entrepreneurship, I was overwhelmed with the positive feedback from the two highest school officials. I also got an outstanding rating in the students' evaluation. And so I said to myself... "wow! awesome!" I also gave credit to my creative, teachable and talented bunch of students. My first classroom teaching experience was truly unforgettable! 

I am also an online tutor in the number one online English school in Japan. I talk to my Japanese students via Skype. Technology is quite amazing that I could talk and teach Japanese people without any communication cost. What makes this online class unique is that everything is flexible and convenient. I get to teach usually at night in my preferred time and I just stay at home. It's also exciting because I get to teach to different students and handle different classes customized to their needs. The comment of one of students that I am still his Number One Teacher (among his other online teachers) is one of the things that truly inspires me to teach.

Teaching is truly a good source of fulfillment and a good venue for learning, too. I do not only teach but I also learn at the same time. As a teacher, I have a share of my students' brilliant minds, a glimpse of their personality and their lives. I get to enhance my interpersonal relations and my creativity. Most of all, I get to enjoy as I work.

Kudos to all teachers!

 

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Happy 31st Birthday, My Sweetheart! I love do love you!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

I Miss Writing (Still Grateful)

I miss writing.

I have been busy the past several months with a lot of things: love life, online tutorial, part-time teaching in a college-- all these on top of my full time job (40 hours/week) as Training Officer.

They say I'm a busy person because of my many jobs. Yes, I am. Nevertheless, I am really trying to live a balanced life. I see to it that I have time for everything that matters to me: my work, my sweetheart, and my family.

I have to do part-time jobs to augment my income. My full-time job isn't enough considering that I received more in my previous job. It's hard to lessen my expenses, much more, the financial support I am giving to my family.

I do spend time for my sweetheart ("mytart"). Since I teach online 3 evenings a week, I make sure to have dinner with him before my online class. I also make myself free on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings so I can have a quality time with him.

Just more than a week ago, I spent five days with my family. I celebrated the New Year with them. I spent Christmas with "mytart" because I was required to report during our Christmas break to revise some manuals. Come to think of it, out of 365 days in a year, I was only able to spend five days with my family. That's barely 1.4% of my time for the year. Kinda sad but I had no choice for my work is waiting for me. Yet, what's important is that I was able to be with them. I did enjoy my time with my parents, my siblings and my two adorable 1 year and 7 month old-nephews. Right now, I am just thinking of the quality, not the quantity.

Yet, I want to be thankful for everything. I do thank God for everything He has done in my life and for everything He will still do.

Indeed, I miss writing. I miss expressing my thoughts and my feelings. I feel good after writing this one. =)