Finally, we’re in the final term. It’s been a wonderful year in the field of teaching. I’ve met more than two hundred students, whom I see for six hours each week. It’s quite overwhelming, especially since I’m not naturally a people person, but I’m starting to get used to it—and even love being surrounded by unfamiliar souls who, in the end, teach me lessons as well. Hearing their different stories is a humbling experience. Though there’s still a ton of work waiting for me, I find myself amazed by this profession all over again. There are always new things to look forward to.
I was browsing through old photos from my first year of teaching—a 19-year-old girl who was so full of herself. I realized how valuable those early learning experiences were, even though I once hated them. Now, I commend those years for shaping me. So, for those who are still venturing into this field, here’s my takeaway as a newbie. The seasoned experts will have more lessons to teach, but I want to share what I’ve learned so far that I’ll never forget.
You will learn a lot in this profession. Getting your license is something we all hope for, thinking it will make us more confident and proud of our little accomplishments. I remember when I first heard the news that I had passed. I was so confident! Soon after, we went on our first mission trip. While walking down the mountain, I slipped and fell hard. I couldn’t breathe and thought, Lord, I just passed the board exam—please don’t let me die! (Okay, I was overreacting a bit.) My friends were laughing so loud!
Anyway, your license doesn’t measure your worth. So, when you fail, know that you can always try again. You have your own timeline—just do the best you can.
In the workplace, I’d say that teaching the little ones brings some of the most surprising moments of your life as a teacher. They are real and honest. They have pure hearts, and when they misbehave, it’s often because something bad is happening around them. Sometimes, you’ll need to clean up after them when they have accidents, like washing their clothes when they poop their pants. You’ll call their moms to bring extra underwear or pants. You’ll clean toilets. When they forget their lunch, you’ll need to tell their parents—and you might even have to eat with them, especially those who aren’t eating because they have problems or want attention. During dismissal, play with the children by inventing a game they haven’t tried yet. Sing a song, share some laughs, or let them brush your hair and create a ponytail while you’re checking papers—girls usually enjoy doing that. Ask the boys to erase the board or help carry notebooks, fix the cubby, or arrange the bags. They naturally want to be superheroes. You’ll essentially become a single parent to more than twenty kids.
When they throw tantrums, don’t shout back at them. Instead, gently talk to them outside and ask about their problems. And when there are fistfights, don’t worry—by the next day, they’ll be playing together and will be friends again. It’s frustrating when some of them can’t read simple words, but if you patiently repeat the sounds again and again, they’ll eventually learn.
Some of the kids will tell you about what’s happening at home—just listen. The hardest part is realizing how much children are affected by what happens in their homes. What they hear at home, they repeat to their classmates. What they see at home, they do to others. It made me realize how hard it is to build a home, which is the first school of every student.
You’ll also learn a lot from parent-teacher conferences. Listen to the parents—they know their children best, and you’ll pick up tips along the way. One thing I’ve learned from parents is this: It’s important to give your child both a good education and a good life. And for you, teacher: Mag-asawa ka kapag ready na ha, huwag magmadali. Take note of that too.
There is a ton of paperwork, but amidst all the work, you’ll encounter souls that make it worthwhile. Some are trying, some are persevering, some aren’t interested, some are just playing, some are seeking, and some are genuinely learning. Be patient with each phase—they’re all part of the journey.
Some students excel in numbers, some are talented painters, some are gifted writers, and others have a natural ability to bring joy to those around them. Some are critical thinkers, skilled dancers or singers, creative entrepreneurs, or innovative makers of new things.
Some are quiet, some are loud, some are indifferent, while others are overly sensitive, where every word matters. These differences make the classroom both challenging and exciting.
Not all students will like you or your teaching methods, and that’s okay. Still, give your best shot.
And when it’s time to venture into a new place, go for it—and be thankful for all the lessons you’ve learned along the way. When it’s time to rest—when the weight of teaching becomes too heavy—take a step back and explore other things. If you find yourself returning to it, come back with a willing heart, ready to learn again. Return to the call.
Be open to learning from your students, too. Even as young as six years old, they can teach you to have a good heart. When you meet students with special needs, you’ll learn to appreciate and love their differences. Talk to them as you would with any other child—they’ll notice if you’re being insincere or treating them differently. Just be mindful not to disrupt their routines.
Teaching at the college level feels like stepping into a whole new world. Every day is a new lesson, and I’m still gathering the pieces, keeping notes as I navigate this fresh experience.
To those of you who feel the call to teach: Listen closely. If there’s a fire in your heart that stirs at the thought of sharing knowledge, if the idea of learning something new excites you, and if you find joy in helping others rise to success—then teaching is for you. It’s not just about the subject matter; it’s about connecting with diverse souls, inspiring them, and in turn, being transformed by their journeys.
Teaching is as much about learning—about life, people, and the world around us—as it is about imparting wisdom. So, if you’re ready to embrace the challenge, to see life from new angles, and to grow alongside your students, then step forward. The classroom awaits.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
