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

La Reconnaisance

I Look To You
After All My Strength Is Gone
In You I Can Be Strong
I Look To You,
And When Melodies Are Gone In You I Hear A Song
I Look To You...

Going back since the first day I step on this ground (SAAP), it never came to my mind that someday I would be the HS Student Activity Coordinator. On my first interview, that was with the HS principal Sr. Myra, she said, "You came just in time. You're heaven sent." Hearing those words from a person whom i have first met made myself confident, and made me think, "I am very much welcome here."And during my interview, with our school director, he asked me if  I can be a Science Coordinator, and I readily said yes.... and the rest is history. Being a newbie as they say is no problem with me because I was able to mingle with the SACs, and the different HS teachers...A good start....

As a SAC, I began my tasks by reviewing the Science Curriculum, go over with the LPs as well as the Science Laboratory Room. It was never hard for me because the other SACs as well as the Science teachers are cooperative with me. I have done my job well and made a name for myself...The SAAPSSC (St. Augustine Academy of Pampanga Science Study Club) was born....A fresh start for me...too many members and good and active set of officers....I was able to train them well and imparted in them what I know about organizing a club...Then the Science Month started it all....With the interpretative dance competition as well as the song writing competition has made the Science month celebration memorable. With the different actitivities of the club and the department, i made my self to be with my officers as often as i can to discuss every details of the club's projects. It was never easy, but I am lucky for having good and responsible officers....

Being with these officers have made me closer to them...they have come to know me better...until my club president started calling me "TATAY"....It's not a new word for me, but hearing this form my student made me feel more respected and trusted...It became the word of mouth of my students and now, it's everybody's...I am now their "TATAY" and they became my children...

As I Lay Me Down
Heaven Hear Me Now
I’m Lost Without A Cause
After Giving It My All

Winter Storms Have Come
And Darkened My Sun
After All That I’ve Been Through
Who On Earth Can I Turn To?

But as they say, no matter how good and active we are, time comes when we burn out...In the last few months of 2011, I have seen things differently. I felt I'm at a lost, and finding answers to my questions are never easy...Although i have loved my work, and I feel blessed and happy with my students, there's another part of me who seeks something that I myself finds it unusual...There is emptiness and I felt alone in my undertakings...  the STEP-UP....AUF....the outreach.....Is it worth?

'bout To Lose My Breath
There's No More Fighting Left
Sinking To Rise No More
Searching For That Open Door

And Every Road That I've Taken
Led To My Regret
And I Don't Know If I'm Go'n Make It
Nothing To Do But Lift My Head

I came to realize, no matter how good your intentions are, there will always be hindrances that will come your way. NEGATIVITY...a worst enemy....it stole the happiness in me....my patience.....the faith in me...my energy.....myself......Fighting over myself is the hardest, i will...i won't......I love my students.....I want to move out....I love my career....I want to go.....Where wil I stand?

My Leeves Are Broken
My Walls Are Coming Down On Me
My Rain Is Falling
Defeat Is Calling
I Need You To Set Me Free
Take Me Far Away From The Battle
I Need You
Shine On Me!

Words spread that I'm leaving....Every now and then people come to my office and had a talk with me....A student said, "You told me, i should not give up. Then, why are you giving up?" (sabi mo sa akin wag ako susuko, bakit ngayon sumusuko ka?)...A slap on my face....Another one asked, "To whom will I talk to when I have problems? What will happen to me now? You cheat..(sino na ang lalapitan ko pag may problema ako? Ano na ang gagawin ko ngayon? Ang daya mo)...It hurts...A senior said, "What will happen to what you have started? They will just be put into waste." (ano na mangyayari sa nasimulan mo...mababalewala lang)..I never thought about it....A girl said, "What will happen to the next batch? Who will replace you here? You're the best.. (anong mangyayari sa susunod na batch? sinong papalit sa'yo dito, napakagaling mo)...another one said, "What will happen to the outreach. You told us we will go back there." (ano na mangyayari sa outreach, sabi mo babalik tayo dun)...and these words touched me so much...."Whom are we going to visit here? You're leaving. We have so many good memories here" (sino na dadalawin namin dito, aalis ka na.marami kami magaganda alaala dito)...

Every day of my life, i always think of those words uttered by these students. It's never easy to make a decision, because whatever I choose, it will affect so many people. These young minds who look up to me, not only as their teacher, their friend, and their father as well. The bond that i have made with them has made a mark in their hearts, and they are looking forward of my presence...

‘Til one day I came to realized that I have to hold on to for my beloved students and my friends as well. I found the light to life, and my faith kept me alive. I picked myself back, and was able to find another hope in my heart. My heart keeps telling me, that this is my home...And finally I have decided to stay. How I thank God for giving me a glimpse of myself, and made me realize where I must really be.

God will make a way 
Where there seems to be no way 
He works in ways we cannot see 
He will make a way for me 
He will be my guide 
Hold me closely to His side 
With love and strength 
For each new day 
He will make a way 
He will make a way 

By a roadway in the wilderness 
He'll lead me 
And rivers in the desert will I see 
Heaven and earth will fade 
But His Word will still remain 
He will do something new today.

La Reconnaisance

God will always make a way, and will always provide for He knows what we need.

To God be the glory for He let us weather the storm and gave us the victory. 

It was never my dream to be a teacher but a priest. When I was a child, when I am with my playmates I always act as a priest or a teacher. During those childhood years, it never dawn on me, that I would be in this field of work. Since I put my foot on my first school, which is Jose Rizal College (now, Jose Rizal University) life has never been the same for me. Though I graduated as a Chemical Engineer, and worked for a manufacturing company in Manila and had a high salary, it doesn’t matter because I am happy with what I am doing now.

In school, I had a share with my students’ life; their problems: broken hearts, parents lack time with them, failing grades and lots more. I became to realize the importance of my work as a teacher. I do not only teach my subject but I put light in their world. I had filled the emptiness in their lives for they had someone who listens when they need someone to talk to. They had a shoulder to cry on. Someone whom they can lean on in times when a storm comes. It was never easy...When you give advises to these kids, you really have to weigh things out. You must always keep within the line or you might be misunderstood.

My eighteen years in this profession had made me where I am now. I have gained not only my students’ respect but also my colleagues. I really love being with my students...It’s like my home is school and i really love teaching, that even Saturdays and Sundays I go to school just to finish my work in my office. I just couldn’t finish these office work ‘coz I have to go to my class for my students’ sake. My students have been giving me the energy to keep with the pace of my work and be creative as i can be. I don’t have problems with my teaching and my students ‘coz I can always handle any situation. I just really thank God for giving me that side of me who can always deal with any kind...

I can say,God has been leading me where I must be. He let me take the road wherein I can find the happiness that I have right now. ...

La Reconnaissance

Row, row the boat.....

Abraham Lincoln once quoted,“Don’t worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition.”

Augustinians are people who always strive for excellence. It is in their hearts to always give the best in everything that they do. It is their nature to always put GOD in whatever undertakings they have, and let the LORD lead them in their endeavours. It is an Augustinian culture to learn to row in every boat they’re put into, and let GOD row the boat with them. For they know everything is possible with GOD as long as you have faith in HIM.

This school year 2010-2011, Augustinians have “row the boat in different seas”, and landed to different lands...some have won, while some have lost... And despite the large waves on their journey they were able to reach their port. And the most important thing in these competitions is that they had the time of their life and got into something worth keeping for.Congratulations Augustinians!!! Keep the Augustinian spirit shine...

Philip's Voices.....

This video is about the letters written by my students to their parents. A touching and heartwarming video of how a young man narrates his longing for his mom whom he had not seen since he was a baby...how he wants to feel his caress and love..a promise of a young man not to give his mom headaches anymore because of the wrong things he is doing.....how a student says sorry  for not doing good in school...how a student felt sorry for not meeting his dad's expectations...how they show their love to their parents that even though they always give them problems, they really love their parents...that they are sorry.....

Dear GOD.....

This video is about some letters written by my students to GOD...These letters made me discover who really they are, and what they hope for the future. In their young minds echoes simple dreams but it's their hearts that speaks...

Strive To Be Worthy Of Recognition

Twenty nine years ago, I walk up this stage to receive an award as the 8th rank of my class…that was the year 1982. A year after, I walk up this stage to receive another award…and on my graduation day, 27 years ago, I walk up this same stage again to receive my diploma and two awards…and that was the year 1984…And on this day, after 43 years of my life, I never thought I would be up this stage again, feeling the same as what I have felt on the first time that I step on this stage. I never thought that I would be up here giving you a talk….

Last Monday, when I was told to deliver this talk, I was hesitant…but I finally said yes…and whisper to HIM…"Lead me Lord".

Recognition Day is the culmination of all hard work and a year of study. It is the day when you, students can say, “I’ve done it”. It is a milestone in our life. It is also a day when we gather and celebrate success.

But I know, as you go up the stage and receive the award, you begin to reminisce the classroom comedies and tragedies that have been part of your everyday life. What about those exhausting exams, research papers, long quizzes, the unending questions during recitations, experiments, and the performance tasks, ahh…..the list never ends….All those cramming sleepless nights have come to an end. I know inevitably you have some feelings of apprehension. You might ask yourself, "Is there anything I have left undone? Is there any challenge I have left unmet? You shall go to those questions as you reach on your destinies and fulfill your goals. Surely, you will find more complicated things to master. If you think the worst is over, think again. As you step into another year, the real challenge has just begun….A new beginning to a new horizon in your career.

This day is so very important for it is the time when our dear parents, faculty and staff can gather with us, students to celebrate our academic achievement. Many wants being recognized, but a few are worthy of recognition. As it is written, "many are called, but few are chosen."

A recognition day is not just plainly for the awarding and giving certificates, but we can say that it is also a time, once in a year, that we take time to give credits to our mentors and that they are appreciated. Genuine praise is wonderful to receive and simple to give, but none of us do it enough. Today can also be the perfect day to say a ‘thank you’.

This day is of giving praise for their job well done, to recognize their kindness shown and other things that make our teachers extraordinary, exceptional and incomparable. I know your teachers will surely miss you…For unknowingly, you made us happy…We've learned a lot from you…

As you go through the tests of life, with more grueling task to perform, more challenges to handle, always bear this in mind that, "In every boat we're put into, we must learn how to row.", And if everything went out of our expectation, look up in heaven and say, "THY WILL BE DONE".
And as you go up the stage to receive your award with your parents, please give your best smile to your mentors, and whisper a prayer that may they continue to touch the lives of our students.

As I end , I would like to leave a thought for all of you and all of us. Abraham Lincoln,the 16th US president, once quoted, “Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition.” It’s hard not to be recognized…when you feel like you deserve it, when you feel like it’s been left up to you, when you have been given responsibility, when you feel like you have aced the test, when you feel worthy of it, when you think it couldn’t have been done without you, when you know that you gave 100%, when it cost you a lot, when you sacrificed, and when you want it. We may not be worth of the recognition in human eyes but remember, God will always be our great audience in everything, He knows best, more than giving a certificate, a medal, or a shake hand, it is His glory, His blessings.

Mga anak, Congratulations! You made TATAY proud….