are you a deaf frog?

My brother shared a funny incident during his review for the NLE.

Their speaker told them a story about a contest among frogs. The goal was to reach the top of a very tall tower. The tower was quite tall and many of frogs started giving up as they tried to reach the very top. The audience did not help much. Seeing how tall the tower is, they shouted at the contestants that the feat is impossible and it'd be so much better if they gave up now. After quite some time, the race was over and one frog stood on top. Victorious.

Bryan: Why do you think did he get there?

Michelle: He's deaf?

Bryan: Right.

But the story doesn't end there. My brother happens to be "half-deaf". Sorry for the term but what I'm trying to say is he can only hear with one of his ears. Don't ask me which one because I get it mixed up all the time. (Peace, Yan!)

So, to continue on with the story, my brother was shocked that many kept looking and laughing at his direction. He was not really listening to the speaker (according to him) and did not get the ending the story. He only heard the speaker say, "the frog was duck" and could not see the powerpoint presentation from where he was sitting. He began defending himself by saying, "What?! I'm not a duck!".

LOL (My mama and I laughed too. :D)

Then again, the story does not end there. The speaker continued by saying that the essence of the story or the point he was trying to drive at was that the victorious (and apparently, deaf) frog is a metaphor for a board exam topnotcher who took the challenge despite the odds and did not listen to those who said that emerging on top was impossible. I told my brother then that the joke was now upon those who laughed at him. :)

He begged me not to make the story my FB status and so I obliged. He never told me not to blog about it though. HAHA! :D

Deaf frog or duck frog? My brother's made his choice. What's yours?

keep moving forward

The past few weeks have been terrible for me. For various reasons, I found myself stressed and worried. When family, work, and that-other-thing-which-i-keep-praying-for just did not seem to give me a break, I had to break down and cry. Only a few people have ever seen me cry and nobody has ever seen me break down and cry. I don't break down. Not in front of other people, that is. This is one moment that I hide from everyone else --- except for He who sees it all. The thing is, He doesn't just stand and watch... He is there to make sure I see it through. I had the urge to write about it but I promised myself never to write down any depressing entries. So, I had to let it pass.

Today, I went to confession, cried a little more and moved on. My mother's words ring in my head. She said that I can't stop living my life because other people decided that they'd spend their lives wearing down mine. I have to keep moving forward. And today, I think I just did.

I did not want to go to work which is weird because I am absolutely enjoying and loving my work. When I got to school, I was a few minutes late for class but still early for the Bundy clock. I was not feeling well. My clogged nose reflected my the state of my clogged heart. Nevertheless, I wore the best smile I could muster and taught. After the first subject, I felt more alive. There I was. Doing what I loved. How many people wake up each day and get to say that? Haha, I checked lesson plans, facilitated activities and laughed with my students. At the end of the day, I felt so much better.

I'd never run out of troubles. Who does? I wasn't planning on writing an entry today but I read through this entry from Bro. Bo's blog and wrote anyway. I have to feed my passion. My wounds will feed my dreams...God's dreams. One day, I'll read this entry, remember how I felt and be thankful to the Lord that I took a step forward. One more scribble. One more step.

AMDG!

reflections of a teacher

I just came from the First National Teacher Education Research Congress held at City Sports Club, Cebu City and sponsored by Cebu Normal University in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education. It was attended by almost two hundred educators from around the country. It is the first of its kind specifically because it is designed for teacher education researches. The role I played was pretty minor since I was part of the invitation and technical committee. But, I was given the chance to talk to all the VIPs because I was going to assist them in their powerpoint presentations.

Dr. Carolina C. Porio requested for a pointer for her presentation, Dr. Paz I. Lucido oriented me on how we are to go about her slides, Dr. Purita P. Bilbao came in to check with me if her presentation was ready and Dr. Brenda B. Corpuz asked for my assistance. The list could go on and on as there were guests from all over the country. To many, these names would not ring a bell but when you are in the field of education --- in the field of teacher education to be more specific, these people are considered to be pillars. I only know them as authors of my education books but for the last two days, I was able to interact with them as if I was just another colleague. I was amazed by their humility and humbled by their greatness. I say they are great not because of the distinctions that they have received all throughout the years but because during their presentations, you can really hear and feel the conviction they have to help alleviate the depressing condition of education in the country through the various key roles that they were privileged to hold in teacher education organizations. For a moment, I felt the urge to go up to them and ask for their autograph and also ask them to pose in a picture with me. Then, Dr. Cabalquinto called my attention and asked my opinion about a speech she was preparing.

It was then when it hit me. The greatest teachers in my life are not they whom I have met in the congress but they are they who have walked with me through my journey as a child, student and teacher. I am not saying that the other teachers are less than those whom I am referring to. All I am saying is that, conviction for quality education was something I always felt from my teachers. My greatest teachers are not only those who taught me about education but also about life.

If I were to pose with "celebrities", I'd pose with my mother who has taught me everything I know about enduring love and the value of hard work. I'd pose with my Auntie Amay who inspired in me the love for the teaching profession and instilled in me the essence of professionalism and love of one's vocation. I'd pose with Ms. Aguiman, Dr. Destura, Ms. Gonzalez and my other elementary teachers who saw potential in a child who fails in prompt requirement submissions. I'd pose with Mr. Bacalso, Mrs. Otero, Ms. Torreon, Mrs. Canono and my high school teachers who ventured with me in other fields other than the academe. I'd pose with Dr. Cabalquinto, Dr. Dayagbil, Mr. Corales, Dr. Abao, Ms. Gacasan, Mrs. Lopez and my other college instructors and professors who taught me much of what I know about education.

I'd pose with the Lord when I get to His throne someday because I may be one of those who are most difficult to teach but He has never given up me.

Today is one day truly well spent. I am exhausted and feeling rather unwell but my heart is full and my passion for teaching burns bright.

To all my teachers, thank you. <3