By: Aprilyn Joy C. Arroyo-Quezada of Marihatag II District

I have been a junior high school teacher for 8 years in the Division of Agusan del Sur and has been given the opportunity to transfer as a Senior High Teacher in Mararag National High School, Division of Surigao del Sur.

Initially, these were my frustrations as a newbie in SHS: the school had no room for Grade 11, they only utilized one room of Grade 9 to be occupied by the Grade 11 students and literally had no reference material for my lessons as books were not yet delivered by that time. I almost cried because of the 5 preparations of lessons and ancillary works I had to make since other teachers were loaded as well. I deeply regret of being in this situation because in my previous station, I merely had two preparations to make which was easier.

Eventually, seeing my students who came to school from far flung barangays of San Pedro, San Antonio, Alegria, Sta. Cruz, and Lingaya, I asked myself “What would happen if I quit now?” “What will happen to those students who displayed enthusiasm and determination in their studies even in the absence of food allowance or money?” Some of them didn’t have had breakfast but are still eager to learn. One learner by the name of Fernan Cubil was frequently late in my class because he had to do menial jobs in rice fields or coconut farm in order to earn money for his allowance in school. These were some of my realizations convincing me to never quit. I reminded myself that I took an oath where “even in the mountains, roaring waves, fury of the river and windy seas, I shall keep on bringing the light because I AM A TEACHER.”

I prayed to God to give me strength and wisdom to deal with all the undertakings that time.  I spent a number of nights browsing the internet for the  lessons that  I needed. I also borrowed available books from my co-teachers in Senior High. I bought personal LCD Projector to introduce to them learning with technology. Integrating technology in my class has helped and motivated my students to be attentive in my class. Parents and LGU had also took  their  part  and  also  showed  their  enthusiasm  in  supporting  us  teachers in the implementation of the K  to  12 program.  Mentoring  also  helped  me  with  the  assistance  of  our  School  Head  Mrs. Everlita E. Barrete.

Finally, during their graduation on April  2018,  I  was  very  proud  having witnessed  my  Grade  12  students  advisory  class received their diplomas and National Certificate I in Agri-Crop Production in this 1st Senior High School Graduation Exercises. Happiness and contentment was overflowing within as they thanked and hugged me for not quitting on them. These 28 students reminded me that I should never get tired of guiding and inspiring students to become what they truly they wanted to be in the future. I felt fully compensated witnessing the wonder of teaching as I watched caterpillars become butterflies.