On Teachers’ Day, I want to remember and acknowledge a few men and women who made a special impact in my life:
From Sunday School, Teacher Ethel, who was always so sweet and kind to us even when we were naughty, and Teacher Christine, who was patient and determined enough to organize, rehearse and produce our musical play, The Little Tree, for months – one of my fondest memories of being a church kid.
From SBCEC, Tita Edna, who was my first real teacher, and Tita Emmy, who tirelessly drilled us in phonetics, grammar and spelling and is probably the reason why I’m so pedantic about those things. LOL.
From STC, Mdm. Reuyan, who first kindled my life-long love of mathematics and logic, and Mdm. Fernandez, who first made me realize that I could write, taught me about poetry and creative writing, and chose me to be the editor-in-chief of our school paper at a time when I didn’t even believe in myself.
From a summer art workshop, Jonathan Jumao-as, who first taught me how to paint and draw properly and whose techniques I still use to this day.
From CCNSHS, Sir Ruiz, who gave me one of the most important second chances of my life. After freshman year I was about to be kicked out of school for getting a 79 in his subject (84 is a failing grade in Sci-Hi, getting a line of 7 is grounds for elimination) but he took pity on my mother who was crying in the principal’s office, and he agreed to let me stay. Sir, wherever you are, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for that, even 16 years later. Getting to graduate from Sci-Hi was a privilege I didn’t deserve, and I abused your kindness. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
From USC, Roquezon Rubia who taught Philippine history with such passion, sans notes, and in such a down to earth way that I found myself enjoying it for the first time.
From DLS-CSB, Miss Mitali Goswami who was a really cool mentor who wouldn’t hesitate to insult our work or write “this is shit, darling” on our draped muslin to push us when she knew we were capable of much more, and yet acted as a friend to us all; and Sir RM De Leon, who honed my freehand drawing and painting skills and helped me rediscover my passion for it.
I don’t know if any of them will ever get to read this, but I think truly great teachers are rare and should be appreciated. To all the great teachers out there, even if you don’t realize it, you make such a huge impact on the next generation. Thank you for your efforts to share your knowledge and your precious time.
