I’ve always wanted to teach. I pursued BS Math, with Teaching Option because I planned on teaching Math someday – i.e., “when I grow up.” Well, as early as my college days, I’ve been teaching Math, come to think of it, though I started with the one-on-one set up (tutor-tutee). One of my favorite students in this tutorial center I’ve worked for while I was still studying in U.P. Diliman, is, Micheline Zamora. She’s a Povedan and I was first intimidated by her fluency in English. I strived then to communicate with her in the best means I knew how – so, I taught Math in Taglish. At first, I was just teaching her Algebra and Geometry. Later on, I also helped her with her Chemistry home works and Physics projects. To keep her from, say, tuning out, I usually asked her about her school life, her friends her and her sweet lovelife. This made our sessions fun. And I get her attention on the lesson again. I’ve always treasured those fun days with Micheline.
Another student I had, this time when I already transferred to UPLB, is Daniel Tabing. I started teaching him Math when he was still in 6th grade. Everyday, during one summer, he used to go to our apartment in UPLB, just so I can tutor him – and he came all the way from Calamba (30min-45mins away from Los Banos). Daniel wasn’t my first student in LB, come to think of it, because I was only referred to his parents by our friendly neighbor - a Pastor in Calamba church. Being a pastor of a large church, he was able to introduce me to other high school students, almost all of them residing in Calamba. There came even a point, when I had to travel to Calamba because I had to teach 5 siblings – Daniel’s brothers and sisters, that is. I had so much fun then. We had tutorials either on a Saturday or Sunday – the whole afternoon! Mariz is also a student I will never forget. Like Daniel, she had to come to our apartment weekly for our tutorials. I like the feeling of sharing my love for Math to students who fear it. My usual ‘openning’ speech for them is, Math should never be feared, all you need is practice practice practice” They all listened to me well. Right now, most of them are in their early college years. I still get to see some of them, from time to time.
And then I became busy with the corporate life...so I stopped tutoring.
Recently though, I’ve started tutoring again. Instead of Math, now I’m teaching English. Ironic, isn’t it? Some say, if you’re good in Math, you must be lousy in English. Hmm, well, I beg to disagree hehehe. Anyway, as of this writing, I have two English students – one is Korean, his nickname is DC, and the other one is a registered nurse, her nickname is Che. I am so thankful to God for giving me very kind, highly intelligent and interesting students. What I basically do is converse with them in English. I have to thank my previous jobs for honing my communication skills.
Let me tell you more about DC (the Korean). He’s a very smart hr director of a very famous company here and abroad. My hat is off to his excellent grasp of the English grammar. He just needs aid in the listening and spoken part of the English language. I like the way he’s very open with his country’s culture, their common practices and their food. By now, I’ve been introduced to a lot of Korean dishes. I always learn something new everytime I teach him and I know it's the same way with him.
My other English student is Che. She’s a very nice and jolly person – never a dull moment with her. Our tutorials is all about the spoken language so we take turns in asking and answering questions – to the extent that some questions are already personal, but we don’t mind. She’s a very fast learner and this greatly amazes me! She keeps in mind the areas of improvement I bring to her attention. We only had a few sessions but I feel like I’ve known her for a long time. When we had our last tutorial session, she gave me a parting gift and I was deeply touched by her gesture.
Now all these past and present students of mine made me realize that teaching is indeed my passion in life. It’s where my heart is aflame. After every session with a student, especially if he/she cannot thank you enough for the help I somewhat provided, I feel all warm and joyful and alive inside that I can’t wait to give the glory back to God. I can finally say that I am doing what I am created for. This path may be narrower than the path I just left off. Nevertheless, I know I have a Director who can lead me to the right turns along the way. This is going to be exciting!
Another student I had, this time when I already transferred to UPLB, is Daniel Tabing. I started teaching him Math when he was still in 6th grade. Everyday, during one summer, he used to go to our apartment in UPLB, just so I can tutor him – and he came all the way from Calamba (30min-45mins away from Los Banos). Daniel wasn’t my first student in LB, come to think of it, because I was only referred to his parents by our friendly neighbor - a Pastor in Calamba church. Being a pastor of a large church, he was able to introduce me to other high school students, almost all of them residing in Calamba. There came even a point, when I had to travel to Calamba because I had to teach 5 siblings – Daniel’s brothers and sisters, that is. I had so much fun then. We had tutorials either on a Saturday or Sunday – the whole afternoon! Mariz is also a student I will never forget. Like Daniel, she had to come to our apartment weekly for our tutorials. I like the feeling of sharing my love for Math to students who fear it. My usual ‘openning’ speech for them is, Math should never be feared, all you need is practice practice practice” They all listened to me well. Right now, most of them are in their early college years. I still get to see some of them, from time to time.
And then I became busy with the corporate life...so I stopped tutoring.
Recently though, I’ve started tutoring again. Instead of Math, now I’m teaching English. Ironic, isn’t it? Some say, if you’re good in Math, you must be lousy in English. Hmm, well, I beg to disagree hehehe. Anyway, as of this writing, I have two English students – one is Korean, his nickname is DC, and the other one is a registered nurse, her nickname is Che. I am so thankful to God for giving me very kind, highly intelligent and interesting students. What I basically do is converse with them in English. I have to thank my previous jobs for honing my communication skills.
Let me tell you more about DC (the Korean). He’s a very smart hr director of a very famous company here and abroad. My hat is off to his excellent grasp of the English grammar. He just needs aid in the listening and spoken part of the English language. I like the way he’s very open with his country’s culture, their common practices and their food. By now, I’ve been introduced to a lot of Korean dishes. I always learn something new everytime I teach him and I know it's the same way with him.
My other English student is Che. She’s a very nice and jolly person – never a dull moment with her. Our tutorials is all about the spoken language so we take turns in asking and answering questions – to the extent that some questions are already personal, but we don’t mind. She’s a very fast learner and this greatly amazes me! She keeps in mind the areas of improvement I bring to her attention. We only had a few sessions but I feel like I’ve known her for a long time. When we had our last tutorial session, she gave me a parting gift and I was deeply touched by her gesture.
Now all these past and present students of mine made me realize that teaching is indeed my passion in life. It’s where my heart is aflame. After every session with a student, especially if he/she cannot thank you enough for the help I somewhat provided, I feel all warm and joyful and alive inside that I can’t wait to give the glory back to God. I can finally say that I am doing what I am created for. This path may be narrower than the path I just left off. Nevertheless, I know I have a Director who can lead me to the right turns along the way. This is going to be exciting!
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