The Lesson Plan

Today is the first day of school.

I’ve written a lot on why I teach, but since we’re starting a new school year, I’d like to share a piece I wrote way before I knew I would be teaching for four years or so. I was just a student in November 25, 2003 when I wrote this. Let that guide you in reading what follows.

May this also guide me in conquering anything that follows this day.

———————————-

Why Teach?

Call it a keen interest or my way of giving back what has been given me, but teaching will always be something I look forward to doing. Even in a world that speaks a language of profit, teaching has always presented itself to me as a unique experience for growth and fulfillment. After all, I realize that there is something inherently profound in this certain line of work, a treasure that money can’t buy or guarantee: that one’s possibilities are extended and completed by creating possibilities in other people. I have seen this in my good teachers in the past and like them, I acknowledge that this is what I want to happen in my life.

For the most part, I suppose that I have been very fortunate with my experience of teachers. I still remember my third grade adviser who first told me that I make a great leader and present a good example to my classmates. I dearly hold those kind words to this day. Several teachers have also motivated me to join extemporaneous speaking contests and essay writing competitions, most of which I won thanks to their guidance and support.

Then in high school, I stepped up to the challenge of my English teachers who told me that my writing shows much promise. Most memorable would be my fourth year English teacher who bars no criticism on my works and ideas, but then wrote me a small note before graduation saying that she looks forward to reading more from me in the future.

Finally here in the college, a theology professor helped me through a spiritual crisis simply by befriending me and being open to my questions on faith. And when I was strapped for practicum work, a former teacher of mine in political science took me in and mentored me as we conducted a research on education and foundations that work for it. Both experiences were enlightening and uplifting to say the least.

Thanks to teachers such as them, I developed the confidence and drive to be a mentor myself. I fervently wish to reach out to those who badly seek a direction in life during times when possibilities seem scarce. I look forward to engaging students in discussions about politics, society and life in general. I have learned a lot in the past 20 years and I look forward to learning more. I do not claim to be an expert at this point (and I will study more), but I believe that I could further hone what I know now through sharing and thinking about it with a class. It is through exploring those minds filled with varying horizons and perspectives that I aspire to expand my own.

But, why teach? Simply put, I wish to convey a message of hope. Especially in a country such as ours that is fraught with despair and disillusionment, what I wish to create in my future students are new possibilities for themselves and for their country. During these times, we need “all hands on deck”; not a citizenry who will just “abandon ship.” Like my teachers of the past, I will criticize ruthlessly, but inspire creatively. I will push my students to their limits, but be fully aware of their individual talents and capabilities. I will be a mentor, maybe even a friend; bottom line is that they discover for themselves what they can do and that they do it the best they can. They can be leaders or writers or whatever they desire. I choose to teach as homage to the influences that have made an indelible mark on my life. To make my own mark in the betterment of others’ lives is an ambition that I am sure will fulfill me the greatest.

But that being said, I could not see myself confined to teaching alone. A lot of opportunities and possibilities have presented themselves to me, and I am not one to follow just one track in life. I am still young and the prospect of having multiple jobs is still a thrilling idea. In addition, I even wish to pursue further studies in political science if only to generate even more possibilities for me. Just recently, I have begun to consider a career in professional lobbying which brings me in direct contact with both the government and various interest groups. The job is ideal in that it is both financially and academically satisfying. However, what I hold close to my heart is the thought of teaching. To regard it as a mere “sideline” seems to belittle what is in fact my greatest ambition. I could feel it in my gut that it is my calling. Sharing what I have so as to inspire others is what my spirit seeks for its very own fulfillment.