The Filipino Teachers: Mirrors of Heroism, Fount of Excellence

by Shannon Narvaez (V-St. Joseph)

Heroes aren’t the ones who wear capes, not even those who can fly and possess special powers. For me
the real heroes are the Filipino Teachers, my teachers. To the world you may just be a teacher but to your
students you are a hero. They say that being a teacher here in the Philippines, does not make you rich
like our politicians, engineers or even doctors, it does not make you popular like artists, singers or
reporters, but at the end of the day, being a teacher gives you the happiness and fulfillment of creating
and molding future leaders of our countries, future builders of establishments, future architects, nurses,
pilots etc. Teachers are the root of all the other professions.

They are not just teachers to us, they are second parents who care not only because it’s their position to
teach and give us guidance but because it’s their passion. Their ultimate goal is to provide the best
education that we deserve for us to reach the level of excellence that we all want to achieve. They care
for the well-being of their students. They commit their time and life for their students they also spend
their own money to provide some materials needed by their students and for their visual aids that helps
the discussion to be more productive and interactive. Teachers here in the Philippines sacrifice a lot for
the sake of providing excellent education, and in return, as a Filipino student, we should always respect
our teachers, listen to them and apply all the learning they taught us. Make your teachers proud by
simply showing them that all of those sacrifices are worth it. I’ve always put my head up to my teachers.
I admire their patience on dealing with naughty students, their willingness to share their knowledge and
mold each and every one of us to be mentally, emotionally and spiritually prepared to face all the trials
in life.

To my teachers, you all have affected and changed me in so many ways. Under your teaching, I have
become a much better person which I know I would be able to carry out till I become a teacher as well,
yes, someday I also want to be a teacher and pass on everything that I have learned from all of you. You
have changed the way I think about school, I always look forward on spending a new day full of learning
and new knowledge that I’m confident will continue to grow as I get older. You motivate and inspire all
your students, with all of this mentioned, we can never repay you not even expensive gifts and a lot of
money could, because all the effort that you exert are truly priceless and I will be forever thankful for
that. Please continue being a good teacher, as they say you are like candles, consuming itself to light the
way for others.