Anabel Sta.

Cruz Sollano
BSEd- Mathematics 2012 Northern Quezon College, Inc., Comon, Infanta, Quezon Why I want to become a Teacher? Many people keep asking me that question for many years since I entered the College of Education. And sometimes Im asking the same question to myself. But a straightforward answer baffles me every time. Ive wanted to become a teacher since I was in elementary. Perhaps, unknowingly, my fond memories during my childhood years help me in shaping this dream. I took it upon myself to become a Little Teacher among my friends. Every time we play, Im telling them to do this, draw that, solve this, read that, and before the end of the day Im giving them a grade just like a true teacher do. All my teachers from elementary to college (present) and all the teachers Ive met inspired me to become like them, they have given me the wings so I could soar to heights that I have never reached before. Despite of long hours, dedication, and the meager pay, they are still standing strong to face the criticism and to love everything they do. And now that I am in the senior year in college my final year to face another challenge for those who dreams to teach, I (with my colleagues) took a plight for off-campus training becoming a student teacher in one of the prestigious high school in town. I was so excited with the idea of playing the role of a teacher in a real classroom with more than 300 students a day. On the other hand, I felt nervous for I might be mistaken or misunderstood. Especially, when I was assigned to cream section of fourth year high school, 3 other homo sections, and one hetero section. I can imagine one bright student who could raise an adroit query that I know I might fall in a ludicrous situation I am teaching trigonometry (for heavens sake!). I am very grateful that my critique teacher never left me alone until I am ready. She had helped me in lesson planning and how I am going to execute my plan. After one week of observation, I know I am ready and confident enough to teach. My first day of class turned out successful. And as the days passed I become so familiar with my environment.

I have proven many things about being a teacher. True, this job entails a lot of work, both in and out of the classroom. But when youve seen your students grow, and watched them learning everything youve taught, nothing can beat the happiness you may feel. We have to take into account, that each child is unique, and a teacher must know how to deal with them and to keep alive the fire of knowledge until the end. Yes, teachers can get more out of the job than meets the eye fulfillment, self-respect, and an agreeable lifestyle. It is nice thing to experience when someone approached you while you are buying something in the market, Maam, good afternoon, is there anything I can help? Or when some of your students says, ah-huh, I got it, in the middle of your discussion. In almost 4 months of teaching, I have learned many things. If I have taught my students a lot about mathematics, for it is my duty to teach them, there is so much that my students have taught me. Ive learned to be more patient, to be tired yet excited, to be little more imaginative, and most of all, I also get ready to learn. Ive learned how to respect my students individuality and uniqueness, I have also made learning as fun and exciting, Ive learned to appreciate them. Ive learned to share and acquaint myself to them. Ive learned that teaching entails hard work and sacrifice, but those are worth teaching for. Yes, my passion to teach and my dream to become a teacher are incomparable. I know that it is a rewarding job especially when a light shines in my students eye and when I touch the lives of the future. I have never been this happy; I have never been this valuable. I know my profession would be my greatest reward.