The Day

Why I Keep on Teaching

2008-03-26T09:07:00.001-07:00

I got a major tongue lashing from my folks a while ago after a stupid business decision I made just recently. In my haste to get a business permit I unwittingly accepted a permit renewable on a quarterly basis. I never knew that it was possible to get one on a yearly basis.

Today's the end of the first quarter so it's wiser to get one next month. I knew this perfectly well. I only rushed things because a business permit was required by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). so that we will finally have an official LEGAL receipt.

In my recklessness I failed to realize that the BIR will question the expiry date of the permit. It was plain stupid on my part. These are some things I have to learn the hard way.

The result? Two parents mad as hell preaching how utterly useless I was in this house. They even hinted what a lousy career teaching is because it's financially unrewarding. Teacher's wages are so low I couldn't contribute to any household bill.

I admit to making stupid mistakes sometimes. Even teachers make stupid mistakes. Was entering the teaching profession a stupid mistake as well?

The hardest part about their litany was that I spent THEIR money for the permit. The permit was so expensive it's almost equivalent to a teacher's monthly salary which I don't have. I had no choice but to ask from them and I wasted it!

Why do I bother with teaching anyway? I guess I am naive enough to believe that if I teach my students well they can make this world a better place. Funny, but I never stop believing that my students can do that if they try hard enough.

The previous semester was the toughest for me. I wasn't given an increase and I just taught a couple of subjects. Despite that I met the best section in my 3 years as an educator.

The section is AHSE 1-H. They were not one of the brightest I have handled but they possessed the traits which I wanted students to have. That is the trait of being emphatic and caring towards others.

During our classes I have this policy regarding late comers. Males were required to do 50 push ups while females did 50 pumpings. If they failed to do so I'll give the ratings every student truly deserves (very low grades).

Not everyone is capable of doing 50 push ups. What impressed me about them is that the early comers volunteer to do the push ups the late comers failed to do. They forsook their own well being not just to help the late comers but to help save the group as well.

What a spirit! It's students like them that makes teachers feel that there's still hope for the future. I was really blessed to have met people like them. They made me feel that it pays to be an educator.

Someday they will help touch people's lives. When they do so I hope that those whom they have touched will also show kindness to others. In that way they can help make a small heaven in this Earth. I feel that it's a reward worth more than all the money in the world. =)

Ultimatum

2008-02-14T05:52:00.000-08:00

My Dad gave me an ultimatum today. Either finish my dissertation by February 23 or forget about it COMPLETELY. He said that I have been working at it for too long already and if I'm not done with it by that time then I have probably reached my limit.

It's just like saying I'm not good enough. I guess I deserved that. Frankly speaking I have been doing it half heartedly. I am doing a topic that is very distant from a field close to my heart...education.

Nonetheless, they spent big money for my tuition and they need payback...FAST! A person who does not contribute to family expenses has no right to complain. KNOW YOUR ROLE AND SHUT YOUR MOUTH is the rule here.

I know Daddy didn't mean it. He never meant to hurt any of us. Being straightforward is just his way of blowing off steam.

Deep inside I know he's just concerned. He would not let his eldest son be trapped in a low paying job like teaching. Why his children are meant for great things! My parents did not work their asses off reaching great heights just to have underachieving children!

I know that he meant well. However, I feel I can never be like my parents. No matter how I try I will never be good enough. Sad to say but their way is not my way.

________________________________________
Illustrations Cited:

http://macriner.wordpress.com/2008/01/03/pointing/

http://flapsblog.com/?m=200609

Work Away From Your Bedroom!!!

2008-02-10T01:13:00.000-08:00

There has been recent developments in my dissertation. I discovered that I work best when I work at our dinner table. How strange.

I guess it has something to do with being away from my bedroom. Whenever I work there I tend to feel lazy every time I see my cushy bed.

Now that I'm away from it I am FINALLY getting some work done. Our dinner table is quite long which enables me to organize the stuff I need.

My pace may not be so fast but at least I'm churning up quality work. If this keeps up I may just make it. Hope for the best!

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Illustration Cited:

http://ww.weblogcartoons.com

Blank Stare

2008-02-09T07:10:00.000-08:00

Whenever I start to seriously work at my dissertation I always get into a fix. No matter how much effort I put in getting myself to write nothing comes up to mind.

I have never felt so stupid in my life. Imagine years of training in graduate school for this? A wannabe scholar having nothing to write for a dissertation. And after ALL that reading!!!

My time is almost up. Who knows what will happen? Good fortune has always been kind to me. The question is for how long?

__________________________________________________
Illustrations Cited:

http://www.grinningplanet.com/2006/05-30/plural-words-joke-pun.htm

Dissertation Blues

2008-01-30T05:52:00.000-08:00

After much thought I have come to the conclusion that writing my dissertation is THE MOST boring and frustrating thing I have ever done so far in my life.

My adviser may not believe me but I have spent DAYS staring at a blank monitor. I have read countless books and articles already but for some reason I can't get the words out.

If ever I do get to squeeze some words out it is either inappropriate or downright insufficient. Dissertations are all about content and substance. Where's the substance if you can summarize an entire article in a paragraph?

My time is almost up and I have yet to submit anything concrete. This is definitely not one of my better days. I pray that inspiration may once again shine on me.

Nothng Changed

2008-01-05T10:18:00.000-08:00

I met the friend I mentioned last October this afternoon. He borrowed money from my Mom for a business venture. After months of not speaking with each other it's unfortunate that NOTHING changed in him.

He still remained as conceited as ever. We spent the day talking almost entirely about himself. Some people never change. I guess there's no hope for people like him. Good luck to you, my friend. It was great while it lasted.

_______________________________________________
Illustration Cited:

http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/jby0186l.jpg

Abstract Accepted

2008-01-03T07:42:00.000-08:00

I just received word stating that my abstract was accepted for presentation this coming May. This is my second abstract accepted for a foreign conference this year.

Such a message could not have come at a better time. Just when I was beginning to be intellectually demoralized.

Working on my dissertation is taking its toll. I'm not sure if it's stress or maybe my brain is slowing down. It is probably the most boring activity I ever did in my life!

Acceptance of an abstract may not be such a big deal however, if it was screened by the National University of Singapore (NUS) it's a different story. The NUS is the 20th best university in the world according to Times Higher Education Supplement.

Being acknowledged by one of the best universities in the world is a feat in itself. Even if it wasn't NUS that screened it the very fact that foreign scholars recognize your work is truly gratifying.

It's a pity that many of my efforts are not recognized in my home country. Sometimes your kin could be your worst critic.

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Illustrations Cited:

http://www.cartoonmotivators.com/pages/MikeMoore.html

http://www.terrace.qld.edu.au/terrnews/tn220799.htm

http://www.nus.edu.sg

New Begginings

2008-01-01T11:19:00.000-08:00

I just finished recording my major activities for 2008 in my journal. Looking back at my 2007 journal I can't help but feel guilty. There's just too much time wasted.

Yes there were major developments in 2007 but not in the same scale as 2006. Sad to say but the hardest part about regret is knowing that it cannot be reversed. There's simply no turning back.

Before I wrote in my 2008 journal I said a prayer. I prayed that I will be given the strength to accomplish what I am supposed to do.

I don't aspire much for 2008. Just to finish my dissertation and to gather enough clients for our business is good enough. Better stop making excuses and get moving!

__________________________________________
Illustration Cited:

http://www.offthemarkcartoons.com/cartoons/1999-09-07.gif

Memorable Pump Class

2007-11-13T11:54:00.000-08:00

My last Body Pump class was something to remember. Our instructor for that day did something he felt uncomfortable doing ever since. Joining a dance class.

I have known Arvin, our instructor, for almost a year now and I know very well that he dislikes dancing. He probably thinks that it's not a manly thing being the image conscious guy that he is.

Despite that I still kept asking him to join the dance class every time. There's nothing to lose in a dance class except one's pride. Especially if you're a sucky dancer!

Arvin joining a dance class was unthinkable for the gym community. He was too much of a stiff for that. But there he was grooving away. I never expected him to be such a fine dancer!

After the class I asked him why he had a change of heart. He simply told me that he just wished to grant my request.

Who am I to compel him to do such a thing? I'm not his boss. We're not even friends. Besides, he had every reason to decline because he just conducted two very intense workouts that day.

Despite that he took time to grant a stranger's request. What a guy!

What Arvin did that day really impressed me. He was willing to risk making a fool of himself in public for what? A playful suggestion? He had everything to lose and nothing to gain but he still went on with it.

I really think that what Arvin did shows a trait of a good friend. True friends should be willing to make sacrifices to help others out. No wonder many of his peers adore him.

I will definitely miss Arvin's classes when he leaves for Singapore. I will miss his energy, and his cheerful and caring disposition. Someday I hope that we could be good friends. You can't find people like him around every corner.

______________________________________
Illustrations Cited:

SVEA Training Center
http://www.sveatraning.se/kvalitet.htm

Sports World
http://www.sportsworld.com

Fusion Fitness
http://www.fusionfitness.biz/index.cfm?page=5

Devastated

2007-11-12T06:33:00.000-08:00

Just as I was contemplating to give my full commitment to Perps I received the shock of my life. Sad to say Perps has intensified its inhumane work practices.

Full time faculty members were only to be given a pittance on mid pay to be deducted at the end of the month.

Part-time faculty are in a worse position. They will receive no pay at the middle of the month. The worst part of it is that they will only get half month's pay at the end of the month. The other half for November will be given at the end of the semester.

What does Perps think of its teachers? Are teachers beggars who receive alms only at the whims of some kind benefactor?

Sad to say but teachers there are treated like third class citizens. Aliens who do not have rights nor a say on anything.

Teachers have their needs too. They have to travel to work and they also have to buy their food. It's not fair for them not to receive their just wage when they should.

It's a pity that a lot of dedicated and wonderful teachers are awfully treated there. They couldn't leave because they have dependents studying there and that they're too old to have any place to go.

How I wish I could help my fellow teachers. Someday when things are going right I'm going to return to help my fellow teachers. They gave everything to nurture their students s I believe they deserve a better life.

________________________________________________
Illustrations Cited

RGB Artworks
http://rgbartworks.com/rgb6.html

The Hobo Code
http://akugel.wordpress.com)

Back to School

2007-11-02T23:05:00.000-07:00

By Monday I will be returning to life as a college educator. I missed this job tremendously after being stranded at home doing my dissertation. Teaching will finally give me the peace of mind I can't seem to find elsewhere.

I love my "home" university, Perps, very much. It saved me countless times from professional oblivion. Whenever I had to leave certain universities for political reasons Perps was always there to welcome me back without asking a word. It is a place where I really feel appreciated.

This semester will be a turning point in my career. The administrators at Perps are asking me for the nth time if I want to stay for good as a tenured faculty member. Tenures are hard to earn taking at least 3 years probation but they're giving it to me on a silver platter!

I'm really confused. I really love Perps from the bottom of my heart but I'm not sure if it is the place where I can grow academically. Research priorities and funding are limited to studies about Perps. Promotions there are done every three years only. This means you won't get promoted even if you win a Nobel prize unless the three years isn't up yet!

I really don't mind the not so spectacular pay. What I do mind is their ambivalence to faculty achievements. Productive faculty members should be compensated for being productive especially those who bring honor to the university. They deserve it.

Well, I will have to make a choice sooner or later. I don't have the heart to say no for the nth time. I guess I'll just have to make the best of the current situation. For now I'll just relish the moment for having the chance to teach once again.

____________________________________
Illustrations Cited:

The Online Learning Centre
http://olc.spsd.sk.ca/newsletters/06issue1.htm

To My Friend

2007-10-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

My dear friend,

A pleasant day to you. I hope you're having a fine day because I rarely remember you having a good one. You always seem to find something bad about everything.

I wrote this letter just to let you know how sorry I am for you. Ever since we became friends we've spent countless days talking with each other. We talked about your life, your problems and how wretched the world was to you.

As a friend I always did my best to hear you out. I listened to your every woe and discussed ways to remedy your situation. This we did almost every single day for 8 years straight.

I thought that I was getting through to you. That I was making a positive difference in your life. How wrong I was to believe that someone like me could help you change.

After such a long time you never changed your ways nor your outlook. You only pretended to be doing well. Deep down you're still as rotten as the first day I met you.

What's been eating you, man? Why can't you give yourself a break? Haven't you had enough misery to last a lifetime?

The problem with you is that you problematize everything. You always find things to rant about so people will listen to you. You rant and rant to the point that you devour your listener in the process.

I'm not a saint.
I'm just a human.
Humans can only take so much.

I'm not mad at you. I just feel bad because I was not much of a help at all. Someday you can find people who can reach out to you.

For now I think that you spend time reflecting on how to put your life in order. This time it's best that you find answers you discovered yourself. When the time comes you will be in a better position to maximize your potentials.

I better give you space. I'll always be here when you need me. You're really a great guy did you know that? You just need to believe in yourself. Always remember that I'll always be your #1 fan.

Your friend,

James

_______________________________________
Illustrations Cited:

Antelope Publishing
http://www.antelope-ebooks.com/HUMOR/HANK1.html

Daily Mail
http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2006/12/Cartoon161206_450x312.jpg

Cartoonstock.com
http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/s/shrink.asp

Efunny Cartoons
http://www.efunnycartoons.com/funnycartoons002.htm

The Importance of Getting Things Done

2007-10-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

As I was browsing through a bookstore in a nearby mall I was able to find a very enlightening book entitled "The Technique of Getting Things Done" by Donald Raid. It looks and sounds like the usual inspirational stuff one finds in commercial bookstore but a close cursory reading of the book will reveal that it has much to offer than inspiration.

The main idea of this book is that people fail to achieve great things in their lives not because they lack intelligence but rather they do not know how to get things done in their lives. This simply means that many underachievers do not have the prudence to act at the right place at the right time.What the author says is very similar to a Filipino belief that success in life is not all about how smart or how much money a person has. A truly successful person is someone who is "madiskarte" or a person who knows how to use various circumstances to their advantage. Virtually all mentos commercials exemplify people who are "madiskarte" in a practical sense.

The book also implies the idea that too many people whine about their inability to do or finish a certain things rather than doing something about it. The pictures on this entry may seem rather silly but it catches the message perfectly. The guy on the left has every reason to whine about his inability to cook eggs to eat but he mprovised by cooking it with a magnifying glass. It may look silly but it shows a person who acts to get things done no matter how odd or awkward the solution may be. At least he did something to alleviate his situation rather than to mope about it.

This book's main idea really hit a raw nerve on my part! There were many instances in my life when I simply bemoan the difficulty of finishing a task (like my dissertation!) instead of working on it one step at a time. The message came as a real slap on my face. I guess I better start reorienting myself to be more productive no matter how crappy my original work may be at first. Rome wasn't built in a day after all.

______________________________________

Illustrations Cited:

Review of Solar Cooked Designs by Ashok Kundapur
http://ashokk_3.tripod.com/solar1.htm

Editorial Cartoon by Jimmy Purcell
http://media.www.jacconline.org/media/storage/paper212/news/2000/10/01/SocalConference/2005-OnSpot.Winnervisual.Entries-1042853.shtml

Mentoring Blues

2007-10-22T04:59:00.000-07:00

I just received a scolding from my mom a while ago about a neighbor I have been mentoring for some time now. I have known this kid ever since she was a kid and I'm happy to see how she has grown to be a very kind and intelligent lady through the years. I really enjoy the moments we spend talking with each other because of the jolly, candid and insightful ways she directs our discussions.

It caused me great sadness to know that her grandmother was very upset with the academic advises I was giving her. Her grandmother's family and my family have been friends for decades and this is the first time that a family friend became angry for something that I did. Truth be known all I ever advised her to do was to be active in order to reach leadership positions in her organizations, participate in national youth conferences and of course, to always study hard. Was there anything wrong with saying such things?

In all fairness I do understand her grandmother. They don't have much and adding extra curricular activities on the bill can really cause a financial mess in their lives. Given such conditions I still feel that she's on the right track. She needs all the credentials she could so that she can have the best job possible. No good company will hire a mediocre, so-so candidate even if they graduated from an ivy league school. lots of students graduate from ivy league schools anyway so what makes her special? I'll tell you what, it's the extra curricular activities, of course. That's what makes all the difference because it shows a candidate's interpersonal dimensions which can never be written in a resume. Active and extensive participation in organizational matters entails great people skills. That added with brains makes a person an ideal candidate.Not to mention the numerous friends and contacts you could make by simply engaging in such activities. These are things that a lot of students fail to see.

I guess I better leave her be. I never had the right to meddle in their life anyway. Of course, I'll still help her in any way I can. I do not have the heart to turn down a person in need. I'll just keep a little distance just to maintain the peace. I'm sure that she has learned enough from me. All she has to do is to be the best person she could possibly be.

________________________________________________

Illustrations Cited:

Mentoring Illustration by Samantha Dellinger (http://www.yorkblog.com/artist/graphic_arts/)

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri
(http://www.rmhccolumbia.org/Volunteers.html)