How did I land into a career of teaching?

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As a kid it was not difficult for me to like the teaching profession having been under the care of my excellent and kind teachers in the elementary.  It was so nice to see them in their uniform.  Their kindness and compassion was contagious.

In high school, that desire did not prosper.  I learned that there are other professions which can make people more successful than teaching.  While the desire was still hidden deep within me, the lure of venturing into the a not so known profession was gaining ground.  Then, another childhood desire resurfaced as I entered fourth year high school.  I wanted to be a religious.

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As a college student, I saw myself studying to be a teacher.  It was the chosen course of my congregation.  It was just fitting since the Brothers of the Sacred is into a teaching ministry.  That's it.  I became a teacher, no regrets.  I love my profession.  I love my calling. It might be a very demanding job but I know deep in my heart I am doing God's work.  It is my way also of thanking Him for the many blessings I receive.  Is it not a double reward when your enjoy what you are doing while at the same time you are being used by God as His messenger to the world, particularly to your students?  

Today, I continue to teach in the college.  Some of my students are education students.  I make a simple survey and I found out that a good number of them are sons and daughters of teachers.  It seems that the calling of a teacher runs in the blood through generations.

What about you?  What is your calling?  If you are a teacher, are you happy?  Do you still see the value, joy and fulfillment of being God's instrument?

May your dreams be blessed.

Randy T.

Why I love teaching in the Sunday College Program?

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Six years ago, our school offered a Sunday College Program.  The vision of the school for doing it was to provide opportunities for students who cannot afford the tuition fees offered in the regular college program.  Moreover, the school with its core value of compassion would like to provide opportunities for those working young people who only have weekends to possibly go to school.

That was six years ago.  Today, even the high school and grade school classrooms are being used by the Sunday College students.  Many young and not so young people are enjoying this opportunity to earn a college degree while working during weekdays.

I had the opportunity to teach in this program.  Wow!  It was my first time to teach that I was so inspired doing it.  It doesn't mean I am not anymore inspired teaching.  Teaching remains my passion.  But I was much inspired when I taught in the college program.  Why?  I had observed the passion of students to learn.  When I talked, they really listened.  Curious about my experience, I asked other teachers if they have the same experience.  The answer was a resounding YES.

Teachers love the students. In this program students are more interested compared to our regular students.  They are very active in class. In short, they are very serious. They are hungry for knowledge.  They are desperate.

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I also discovered  in one of my activities that these students have a very clear goals.  They always say, "I work so hard during weekdays to support my studies.  I don't want to remain very poor.  I would like to help my family."

On the other hand, they put their hearts into their studies because they use their own money to pay for their tuition and other fees.  In other words, they value their money.  This is one thing I consider different from a regular college students who have the luxury of their parents' support.

In real life, their attitudes should be emulated.  Determination to succeed, considering your limitations and sacrifices, should motivate us to be more serious in what we are doing.

As a teacher, I find it very interesting being with these students and be part of their journey. I see my teaching career having more meaning at all.  This is the price of having an education job, being a teacher.

That's why I love teaching in the Sunday College Program of our school.  If you are a teacher, try teaching in this kind of program and you will be inspired like me.

May your dreams be blessed.

Randy T.