Do it for love: an anecdote

Yesterday, I was asked to write a vignette on my memories as a Marist student for the 50th anniversary of Marist School, Marikina. I sent this anecdote hoping to be part of the future coffee table book. It doesn’t matter to me if they reject this. This is an expression of my love towards the “little ones”. Here it is:

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One of my most memorable moments was when I received a CSEP award in my senior year. To be honest, I was not even expecting it. As a teen who almost gave up studying, I wondered what reason was it behind the inclusion of my name among the awardees.

It was 2005 when we taught Math in a Grade 5 class of Kapitan Moy Marikina Heights Elementary School. At first, I went there because we were told to. But after borrowing a book from my classmate, my perspective on teaching changed. Reading Improve Your Grades by Veltisezar Bautista inspired me. As a result, I helped me reflect and feel compassion towards the little ones.

One afternoon, dissatisfied with our manner of teaching, I took over, animated the class, and spoke as if I’m just discussing with my barkada. I was stirred by that moment.

I believe I was given the award not because I was a good speaker nor I was knowledgeable of the subject but because one afternoon, I taught with passion.

To paraphrase Mother Theresa of Calcutta, teach math not because you were told to; teach it because you love the students who will learn it.

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