A GLIMPSE OF MY LIFE

Life is something to be celebrated every single moment, and being able to live this borrowed life is just but the greatest blessing. Hence, living this life with purpose and meaning is the process I am striving moment from moment.

Immeasurable amount of joy I brought to my parents’ hearts when I took my first breath on earth; euphoric for sure they have felt when they saw me out from my mother’s womb as my first cried echoed on the walls of the delivery room. It was dawn of April 29, 1991, in a small town of Bukidnon, a province in the Philippines.

I feel what really love is when I am surrounded with my humble and loving family, and yes, I always associate love with family.  Family is love, indeed. No one will argue for sure. The kind of family I belong is not perfect. We have gone through different waves of challenges but though God’s great favour, we have surpassed every hurdle of life, and now, still sailing to become someone we wished for ourselves.

I am a big dreamer and an ardent believer. And that, I promised to myself, before reaching 30, I can slowly fulfil little by little my long list of to-do and to-achieve. One crazy thing on the list is to at least visit my dream places like historical places in Europe. And by that, I like to quote this lovely motto “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only pages”. Quite Inspiring.

My Mom and Dad left our home country and went to Japan in search for greener pasture when I was in high school. At the young age, I learned how to become independent and self-reliant. I am the middle child among the three siblings, I have 1 older brother named Jayson, who is now serving our country as a police officer and my younger sister is now pursuing Respiratory therapy degree in College. My sister was in her elementary years when my parents gone abroad, so I was left busy taking care of my sister as her guardian and as her personal tutor. It was one of the toughest times of my life then, managing my time as a student and as a care taker of my sister. Nonetheless, it was the phase that honed me to become responsible and mature in all aspects of life. It was really a good test.

Without a doubt, Education is among the priorities I am passionate about. In my personal opinion, it is something that defines us in this competitive world. I graduated Elementary in my hometown as the class salutatorian, in high school; I brought home the award as the class valedictorian. After High school, I have decided to take Biology degree to pursue my dream as a medical doctor. During college years, I had able to participate as an active member, volunteer and as an officer in the different socio-civic organizations. One worth remembering were the glorious days volunteering in the Philippine Eagle Center foundation, a center that promotes environmental awareness and biodiversity at the same time. I have spent some special time serving my fellow youth in the community where I lived since I was elected as the Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman or the Community Youth Chairman. I was then busy implementing projects that provide welfare to my fellow young people. Later years, I have served few years as President in the organization called “Matigsalug District Youth Organization”, a religious organization that helps young individuals grow in their spiritual life. Those years, were indeed the golden years of shaping my leadership skills. It was year 2011, when I received my BS Biology degree from University of Southeastern Philippines and then took National Medical Admission Test for me to be admitted in the medical schools. I passed the exam and was admitted as a medical student in Xavier University, but after few months, I decided to stop my studies because of financial constraints, medical education is really expensive. After months of frustration, as I sipped hot coffee in a cold night while watching documentary about teachers commended as heroes, in an instant, great thought revealed in my mind. What if I’m a teacher? Would I be great as they are? Why not? So days later, I found myself busy looking for a university that offers Certificate Program for teacher aspirants, and I was blessed enough because the University is just few kilometres away from home and it was a good school for teacher aspirants. Year 2013, I received my certificate in teaching from Central Mindanao University and later took the board/licensure examination for teachers and passed the exam. The same year also, I applied for a teaching post teaching secondary science subjects in a public/government-owned school. You know, in the Philippines, teachers here are rooting to be employed in the public schools because it offer a bit better salary compared to private schools counterparts, and security of tenure is also one of the many reasons.

For almost four years of teaching, the school enhanced my skills even more and found myself perfectly falling in love with teaching. I now find joy teaching young individuals and surrounded by eager learners. I also maintain good and sound working relationship with my colleagues. I collaborate with them and seek professional advises. I am teaching students with ages ranges from 15 to 18, Grade 10 students teaching sciences like Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Science, but I’m quite confident and competent teaching Biology because it’s my major. My passion, commitment and love for teaching carried me to the new height of my teaching career as an award giving body lauded me as one of the most outstanding teachers in Science Category. With great joy in my heart, I have never and will never regret that I chose to uphold the tenets of the noblest profession, being a teacher. At present, I am working with my Thesis to finally get my master’s degree in Educational Management from University of Mindanao.  

In my spare time, I find myself enjoying stuffs like singing, hosting, dancing, and playing volleyball and badminton. I am also passionate about physical fitness activities like yoga and cardio exercises. Sweating a lot gives me some sort of satisfaction, it makes me feel healthy. I also love choreographing and directing different stage performances. Moreover, travelling in the different local spots in our country becomes my hobby lately.

So far, it has been a wonderful journey. The world is so big, and I am clueless of the possibilities. But one thing for sure, I’ll be working hard and will always strive for excellence, to make a mark in this world, to impact my students’ lives, and to become the best version of myself. Someday, I can find the real purpose and meaning of my life, and I will live with it.