The Road Less Travelled

by: Jean Paolo G. Lacap

It was in June 2006, immediately after I finished my Bachelor’s degree in Economics when I joined the academe as full-time college instructor of business and economics. At a very young age then, I know exactly what I want to do in life after college and that is to teach.

Teaching really runs in our blood. I have two aunties who are retired public elementary teachers. I have high regard to them even when I was in my primary grade. I see teachers as unique individuals because they have the intelligence to share knowledge to their students and at the same time have the talent to teach children. And basically, I enjoy seeing teachers inside the classroom. Because of that, I knew from the onset that I want to be like them.

At the age of 21, I was hired as a full-time instructor in a college in the province. I know then that my parents don’t want me to be in the teaching arena because they find the profession as a common, mediocre one. They see it as a non-rewarding career (financially speaking, they are right!). But I still pursued my dream.

Journeying my life as a teacher entails huge amount of responsibilities. I am constantly challenging myself to be an effective and efficient teacher. I am certain that I am in the teaching field for the reason that I have the duty to share to young generations what they deserve to learn. I know that I have the obligation to mold these young minds to be better individuals and become productive members of the society.

Every time I see students learning, passing exams, receiving academic and non-academic recognitions, I am the happiest. Those instances are proofs that I chose the right profession. Every time I receive thank you letters and personal messages from students, I am overwhelmed. Those small acts of gratitude are the rewarding aspect of my career. The fact that they learned from me, even a minute thing, means a lot to a teacher like me.

College students are diverse. It is true that there are slow and fast learners. Despite this diversity, one thing is common, once a teacher exhausted the right strategy in teaching, students will learn a lot from the course. Some may ask, what is the right strategy in teaching? The answer is simple: learn how to empathize. I usually ask myself, “If I am a student now, how do I want my teachers to teach me?” And from that, I see to it that every time I am inside the classroom, I am performing as if “it is the last day of my teaching stint!” Thus, teaching is more than passion. I consider it as a lifelong commitment and staunchness to the profession.

I have been in this noblest profession for almost 8 years now. I have handled numerous students from various courses. I have attended so many graduation ceremonies. Definitely saying good bye to students is a hard task to every teacher. But I am certain, that one day, these students will soar high; they will be able to achieve all their dreams. One day I will meet them again successful in their respective fields.

Last April 2014 was the Commencement Exercises of our college. The valedictory speech was given by a BSBA Management and Entrepreneurship student who was also one of the students I coached in various national academic competitions. I expected a usual speech from her, saying thank you to her parents, giving gratitude to the university, telling her humble beginnings, and so on. But hers is a different one. She caught the attention of everyone when she said,

And how would I ever forget, Dr. Jean Paolo G. Lacap, my greatest and at the same time my most difficult mentor. I really had a hard time under your supervision yet you’ve successfully crafted me to be a responsible person, a person with discipline, an aim for excellence and heart for others. At nais ko pong ibahagi sa inyo ang isa sa kanyang mga turo, (And I would like to share to everyone his wisdom) “Once you imbibe excellence on your routine, it is much easier for you to cope and succeed in every struggle that comes along your way”

That moment was I guess the greatest reward I reaped from this profession. It gave me the assurance that I am on the right track and right place and that is the arena of teaching.

Teaching may not be financially rewarding but I am very proud to say that I am a teacher. This is my life! I am indeed thankful for the opportunity of teaching and be able to share my knowledge to the future leaders of this nation. It is a personal goal to shape young minds for them to be productive and proactive members of this country. I am still optimistic that there is hope in changing the political, social, and economic landscape of the Philippines and education is the key.

One day the Philippines will be a great country because the present generation will transform this nation into an outstanding community of intelligent, well-rounded, and capable members of the society. I know I have a duty to shape students to be excellent government and business leaders. It is truly an honor to serve this nation and be an instrument of positive change.

 I am so sure that teaching is the destined profession for me. I hope that there will be more young brilliant minds who will consider the road less travelled - teaching.