Teaching: A Vocation

TEACHING is more than a noble profession. It is a vocation. Teachers impact many lives of their students and can influence them to make big difference in our society. Some teachers already love teaching but for some they undergo a journey finding that calling.

After I graduated from college I worked as Human Resource practitioner in Makati right away. It seemed ideal for a starter, good compensation, challenging workplace and great co­workers. I held various roles, all the time picking up valuable skills but not quite knowing why I was there. I never fully committed. On practical level I was saving for my future, learning to be independent and I was learning more about myself, figuring out the direction I should take. I took a time off from work and decided to go home for a while and I’m glad I did.

I’m glad that I afforded myself the time and space to do so as I had saddled myself with responsibilities and commitments I may never have found my purpose. It was an unexpected invitation that led me to my vocation. I was asked for an interview for guidance position in Minor Seminary. At first, I had little interest since I never imagined myself working in academe. However, for whatever reason I took the job.

The invitation had led me to vast discovery about myself and in what I want to do in my life. Being a teacher thought me so much and stipulates me to be competent and skilled in what I do and understand that education is going with the focus on the individual and determining what makes each student special and how best to help each succeed. And as a good teacher and school counselor I need to deepen my faith and spirituality and live that faith everyday to be a good example for these children.

I understand that as a teacher, I have this unique ability to help shape seminarians and their future as good priests and Catholics. I want to be a person who they can see as safe and supportive, a person who sees their abilities and believes in them. I want them to learn, to flourish, to have a heart and serve their communities in multiple levels. It is humbling to watch these children grow and transform. They truly show you what is possible with determination, faith and with right support. I find myself leaving school with a smile often and being honored to be part of their lives.

I am most inspired and fulfilled in what I do today. Like everyone says, we rarely remember the content the teacher taught us, but we definitely remember how they made us feel. Teaching can be very challenging and the hours required are much more than many realize, but the rewards make it all worth it. Making a difference in a child’s life is a thing to cherish.