TRIBUTE TO A TEACHER

By Cherry Mee T. Degoro

One of the best features of Misyon is the youth page. I wish, one day, through this best feature I could pay tribute to my best teacher.

Since I became aware of my reading and writing skills, and of certain habits and attitudes, there has been a deep and sincere longing to express deep gratitude above all to God and my mother, but also to my teachers, most especially my Grade One teacher, Ma’am Leliosa B. Adolfo.

Even now that I’m done with my schooling, the memories of Ma’am Leling are still very fresh and vivid. I couldn’t forget how she made learning so enjoyable, interesting and without pressure. At that time, learning in the classroom of Ma’am Leling was the source of my happiness, since at that time there wasn’t much happiness in my home. Perhaps, this was one of the reasons why I felt so disappointed when ‘no class’ was declared. I thank Ma’am Leling for giving color to my childhood years. She’s indeed God’s instrument in my life and in that of others.

Now that I have my own classroom, I fervently hope that I can also be a source of happiness to my pupils, especially to those who haven’t happy homes. I believe that by honestly carrying out my task in this profession I would somehow show gratitude to God for allowing me to be one of the hundreds, or even thousands, of professionals that Ma’am Leling has produced successfully in her long years of service in the public school, who are practicing their expertise both here and abroad. To mention a few of my Grade One classmates: some have become licensed engineers, pharmacists, veterinarians, medical technicians and teachers, not to mention those I no longer know about. For sure, these former pupils of Ma’am Leling, and even the nonprofessionals, can testify to the way she made little children love learning. After Ma’am Leling was forced to retire from the public school at the age of 65, she was hired by our parish school, Santa Teresita Academy, at the demand of the parents. Now at the age of 73 she is still actively, enthusiastically making the Grade One pupils love and enjoy learning.

I had the chance to be with her again for a year when I was employed at Santa Teresita Academy after I graduated from college. I observed that despite her age, the vigor, love and enthusiasm she had given me and my classmates when we were in Grade One had, amazingly, not changed. It even became more ‘seasoned’ as she dealt with her present students. When I had the chance to talk with her recently, I asked her what her secret was, not growing old in the profession. She smilingly said that she loved her work and it was her happiness to see her pupils learn and grow.

I really learned from her. I want to follow her footsteps. By her fruits, I can say that she’s one of those people who make the world a better place.

Ma’am Leling is indeed worthy of a special tribute.