Teachers Wear Their Uniform

By Avelino R. Quiday, Jr.

In almost two decades in the teaching profession, I never have experienced being in a situation
whether to stay in the shade or to weather the storm- wait for it until it goes away or at least
when it calms down. It has always been in my system to think patiently on a problem and
decide quickly on a solution. And it always works. That time, however, was different. This
pandemic has indeed hit us to the core- testing the very limits of our spirit- our existence.

As teachers, we know that whatever instruction is given by the Department of Education must
be carried out. When the Department announced that classes would resume in August,
stakeholders expressed their mixed reactions on social media platforms. Some teachers
wouldn’t seem to agree on the decision to reopen the school year. Others stood their ground not
to waste the school year. Where should I stand? I realized that the government was not asking
us but telling us- honor the profession regardless of the risk.

In May 2020, colleagues in the field would question the Department about their safety if they
would report to school. A mentor reluctantly stood, “I would not go to work until this
pandemic is over!”. I patiently tried to digest the thought of that statement. I couldn’t think
straight. I prayed hard to make sense of it; I prayed to God for strength and wisdom, and I
thought about my four-year-old daughter and my wife. What would they think of me if I just
stood there silent? If I decided to go out there, I would be risking not only my life but even
theirs. If I decided not to, then what am I good for seeing all the brave, selfless, unwavering
uniformed personnel- doctors, nurses, soldiers, and other front-liners- doing their job despite
the risks. It would be a shame to wear a uniform and not perform on that same level of
dedication.

It has been a year, and still, this unknown, unseen enemy has crippled every limb of society.
This virus has taken millions of lives. It has destroyed livelihoods, and it has shattered hopes
and dreams. We may have to live with the fact that life will never be the same again. But never
should we be in a haven. We cannot live in fear! As a teacher, I won’t be waiting for the rescue. I
must brave it out and face the storm. I will go out there and throw a rope- saving every student
sinking in the idleness caused by this storm- this pandemic. We cannot waver. Not this time,
not ever. We cannot let this virus stop us. Education must continue.