I have always upheld the thought that teaching is really a thankless job. Literally because students don't really have the habit of thanking their teachers every after lesson. I don't remember verbally thanking my teacher for teaching me. Students normally realize that they ought to have thanked their teachers later on in their life when they become successful in the respective careers or most immediately when they go to college. This is why I never really expect my students to show appreciation to what I'm doing for them especially so when you always hear them complaining about requirements, due dates, and tests. Come to think of it, students do thank me...when I don't give them seatwork or homework. :)
Anyway, back to my original thought.
I just came from my students' retreat in Charles Huang Batulao, Batangas. Breathtaking view I tell you! It was really a place where you can commune with nature. There were gazebos to the side of the mountain (although scary thoughts would rush into your mind of a possible earthquake and your gazebo just comes sliding down the hill with you still sitting in it!!!). With regard to the activities that Tatay Jojo prepared for the retreatants, there were a lot of sharing, and therefore, crying going around. "Seeing" their hearts moved me to tears. They were sad, and I felt sad for them, too.
On their last day of retreat, I didn't know that more crying awaited us. Tatay Jojo asked the students to approach me individually and to thank me personally. Eeeeek! For once, I predicted my fate! I cried. I couldn't help myself from crying. Some of my students were also crying as they were thanking me. Some thank you's would be for not scolding them and for scolding them, for actually teaching them english and values, and for really caring for them. Some opened up some of their grudges with my being strict or hotheaded, but I understand them. They were nevertheless thankful.
Who on earth won't be touched with what they were saying?! Goodness, I wasn't prepared for it that I didn't have any hanky or kleenex with me to wipe my tears and what not with! Anyway, I threw my reputation away for that moment, and braved to listen to what my students had to say while my heart sobbed.
I just simply didn't know I had affected most of them that much. I have always had that impression they hated me for being so strict, for punishing them under the sun, for giving them the most dreaded reminder slips, and for giving them a lot of readings. I thought I was torturing them.
I am glad that happened. It has strengthened my relationship with them. I am sure there is more understanding between me and the students afterwards, and more heart and soul will be poured for the next 6 months before they graduate and go to their respective colleges.
Anyway, back to my original thought.
I just came from my students' retreat in Charles Huang Batulao, Batangas. Breathtaking view I tell you! It was really a place where you can commune with nature. There were gazebos to the side of the mountain (although scary thoughts would rush into your mind of a possible earthquake and your gazebo just comes sliding down the hill with you still sitting in it!!!). With regard to the activities that Tatay Jojo prepared for the retreatants, there were a lot of sharing, and therefore, crying going around. "Seeing" their hearts moved me to tears. They were sad, and I felt sad for them, too.
On their last day of retreat, I didn't know that more crying awaited us. Tatay Jojo asked the students to approach me individually and to thank me personally. Eeeeek! For once, I predicted my fate! I cried. I couldn't help myself from crying. Some of my students were also crying as they were thanking me. Some thank you's would be for not scolding them and for scolding them, for actually teaching them english and values, and for really caring for them. Some opened up some of their grudges with my being strict or hotheaded, but I understand them. They were nevertheless thankful.
Who on earth won't be touched with what they were saying?! Goodness, I wasn't prepared for it that I didn't have any hanky or kleenex with me to wipe my tears and what not with! Anyway, I threw my reputation away for that moment, and braved to listen to what my students had to say while my heart sobbed.
I just simply didn't know I had affected most of them that much. I have always had that impression they hated me for being so strict, for punishing them under the sun, for giving them the most dreaded reminder slips, and for giving them a lot of readings. I thought I was torturing them.
I am glad that happened. It has strengthened my relationship with them. I am sure there is more understanding between me and the students afterwards, and more heart and soul will be poured for the next 6 months before they graduate and go to their respective colleges.
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