Hate late?

I got married before the academic year started and I found out I was pregnant during the mid year break. Not that I'm making excuses, but suddenly there are more things to prioritize, and sadly, it's not all about my career anymore. This is the year where I've used almost all of my leave credits for errands to change my legal name in different government offices, preparing for future plans, taking care of the husband and the home, and of course the life-changing symptoms of pregnancy.

I then find myself having a difficult time waking up in the morning, getting through the day without tiring myself out, and staying asleep at night. As a result, I tend to submit lesson plans and other documents later than expected. I admit my attendance in some meetings and other activities get compromised because there are chores or events for both families to attend to.

I try my best to start on my tasks a lot early on so I won't be bogged down by too much work. It also helped that I still have the documents from last year that I could refer to. It made things so much easier to accomplish. It really is difficult to be a teacher - work is not just confined in the classroom. In fact, I find myself spending more time with it outside work hours and all the way until the weekend. It really is just the passion for teaching and children that will fuel you to get through the day and finish your tasks on time.

A token of appreciation

I found this note alongside the bunch of letters I received from my Grade 2 students after a week of bedrest. It always feels good to be appreciated and recognized for your efforts. Ms. Gladys is our Deputy Principal whom I always look up to. I'm sure it's not easy being responsible for the whole Munich campus and yet she took time out to know how her teachers are. And for that, I feel blessed that I am surrounded by colleagues who are always looking out for my well-being and professional growth. Now that I am about to leave Southville, I only pray that I will find the same kind of people in the next job I take.

On time is the right time

If there is anything I take pride in, it is my punctuality. I tend to easily get anxious, and one way I cope with it is to prepare ahead of time, which includes early submission of requirements and conditioning myself for the day's work. I have to admit I have difficulty accepting tasks that I have not planned for the day, such as teacher substitutions given early in the morning. Doing my best is of great value to me, and I feel I cannot do so if I am rushed. To make room for so-called emergencies, I try my best to finish everything I can at least a day before the deadline.

I am happy that my superiors recognize my efforts in this regard. Almost at every meeting with the Science department, they acknowledge my punctuality for lesson plan submission with the group, as what these Minutes of the Meeting show. This inspires me to continue doing my best, of course without compromising the quality of my work.

Feedback number 1

My first feedback for the year :)
I distinctly remember presenting some interesting animal trivia to my second grade Science class during the first couple of weeks. As much as this elated me, I couldn't be any luckier that T. Phi Anh has chosen to observe me on the day I planned best. Not that I don't plan my best everytime, but she came in at the highlight of the week's lesson. With this, I realized that I should consistently be prepared because I might not be as lucky the next.

This is also the first time I realized that I am also fortunate to be teaching something as interesting and dynamic as Science, where knowledge is not confined to books. I used to think that I was not qualified to teach such, but then again, all you need is a hefty amount of childlike curiosity and wonder about the world and its intricacies.

Speak English Drive

From the very beginning us first-years were highly encouraged to speak English the moment we stepped into Southville's halls. I actually found it awkward hearing a few people struggle to find the words over mouthfuls of ensaymada and gulps of coffee in between LIP sessions. However, it was funnier that other people resorted to whispers or not talking at all!

I consider myself as a fluent speaker but it is still not my language of choice because of the lack of emotions that it conveys most of the time. Definitely, being exposed to this Speak English Drive helped everyone a great deal. Aside from boosting our confidence, it pushed us to the limits of our vocabulary and communication skills.

It was actually a pleasant surprise when my name was called to receive this (and a small notebook as a token from Teacher Phi Anh) during one of the Monday assemblies. I have to admit I didn't try so hard to be recognized as such, but of course I have to admit I unconsciously utter a few Filipino words every now and then (Hala!)



I got another certificate for November and December, and it felt good being acknowledged for that. It just goes to show how much Southville gives importance to something as basic for an international institution, as well as how they value each achievement of the employees. It is basically a win-win situation for everybody - as Southville continues to uphold international standards, the employees get to practice on a daily basis.