I Am A Teacher: I Live, I Love, I Learn, I Leave A Legacy

La Reconnaisance

Sammy S. Mallari

I Am A Teacher: I Live, I Love, I Learn, I Leave A Legacy

I am a teacher. What am I here for? For what purpose? How do I want to be remembered?

This is to share with you one of the topics I discussed during the OSA Leadership Seminar-Training for the officers of the different club organizations with the theme; “The Leader In Me: I Live; I Love, I Learn; I Leave A Legacy”. I got this from a book that I have read; “The Leader In Me”. This is one of Sean Covey’s books which had inspired me a lot.  Thinking of a topic for a seminar is never easy. It took me a month to come up with a topic, until I read Sean Covey’s book.

Here are some points:

There comes a time in a person’s life when they stop and reflect, and maybe realize what they stand for…their legacy.

The Seven Principles of Leaving a Legacy:

1.    Know thyself.

There comes a time when we realize it’s time to look in the mirror instead of blaming others for our circumstances. It is us who writes the story of our life. What we are is because that is what we want in our life. You have a choice. The price of greatness is RESPONSIBILITY.

2.    Don’t judge, seek to understand.

More is gained from listening and seeking to understand others than from judging them and burning bridges. If you want to see the brave look at those who can forgive, always remember…people don’t jump out of bed in the morning thinking…”How can I mess up today?” Generally, we all have positive intentions even though it may not seem so… Don’t judge or assume…instead, come to understand.

3.    Know your impact.

There comes a time in a person’s life when they stop and reflect, and maybe realize that their actions really do have an effect on others....knowing that what goes around, comes around. True leaders know they can be viewed as through a fishbowl. Mindful that their actions may be magnified. All good comes because someone somewhere led by example. Leaders must be able to move human hearts. Whatever you do to someone though how little it is, has been written down not only in somebody else’s life, but yours as well. Be an inspiration.

4.    Letting go.

The more that we try to control everything around us, the less control we really have. Let us not find ourselves in others. Happiness can only exist in acceptance…Let go.

5.    Others always have a choice.

There comes a time when we discover that life is not all about “ME”…but rather about stopping, listening, and realizing that life is a two-way street. It is a terrible thing to look over your shoulder when you are trying to lead and find no one there. Others always have a choice to follow you or not.

6.    They need what you need.

There comes a time in our lives when we realize that we are not really all that different. We all share the common need to accomplish, serve, be told the truth, be valued; and maybe even be the reason for someone else’s happiness. Embracing our common humanity takes the courage to be vulnerable. The ability to recognize we don’t have all the answers…willingness to be told and tell the truth. Great leaders inspire because they embrace this common humanity. At the end of the game the king and the pawn go back in the same box.

7.    Care for the heart.

There comes a time when we spend more time being grateful for what we have than complaining about what we don’t have. A grateful heart is often a healthy heart…physical health, emotional health, spiritual health. How are you taking care of your heart?

I know, with the trainings that I have given my students, I have made them realize the importance of everything that they do. That they are needed and wanted. I have lived to love what I am doing for I know someday these will be reflected in the kind of leaders that I produce every year. And with them I was able to know myself more, and learn that I can do more. I have moved forward, I have given it all…I’ve done my tasks inspite of the many obstacles on my way…I have stood it all for I know GOD is there guiding, and leading me. My students are my inspiration…I stood still…These student leaders come and go….I’m happy for I know, as they go….as they leave, they will be reflections of a true leader. That would be my legacy…And they would proudly say…”I Live, I Love, I Learn, I Leave A Legacy…We can do it…We are GOOD Leaders…

“Your vision will become clear

only when you look into your heart;

who looks outside dreams

who looks inside awakens”

Carl Gustav Jung