“Daring to be Great Forever”

Each and everyone of us has our own story of struggles and hardships in life that
shaped us into the person we are today. Some of us may still at the dark side of their
lives yet striving for the bright side. That is why I believe that the greatest things in life
requires commitment, passion, courage and sacrifices to reach the success.

In the movie entitled “Maestra”, which characterized by Professor Ezperanza

Bautista, the veteran educator who believes a teacher never qiuts, Gennie Panguelo,
Aeta teacher who dreams of passing the licensure exam and Iah Seraspi, a poor
dreamer who reaches the top. Their beautiful journey crossed which showed the lives,
struggles and triumphs of teacher.

This movie touched my heart and left me a lot of lessons in life from the
struggles of the characters mostly with Iah Seraspi which is a great example of a
dreamer and a believer. Despite of extreme poverty and life struggles she never
surrender, instead she took it positively until she graduated as cum laude then top at
the Licensure Examination for Teachers. She really inspired me with her attitude. Truly,
that in every difficult roads often lead us to a beautiful destinations. On the other hand,
Gennie Panguelo the Aeta teacher was very admiring because of her desire and passion
in teaching her fellow Aetas even if it was so far which took four hours walk through the
hills and rivers. As well as Professor Ezperanza Bautista which is very devoted in
teaching. Their stories proved that it is never easy to become a teacher.

Truly, right after I’ve watched the film, I felt very motivated to strive in my
dream to become a great teacher someday. Even if in the first place, I never dreamed of
it until in such time I’ve encountered 0ne of a kind experience during my first
demonstration in the field. Something that I will never forget. That is the reason why
now, I am dreaming to touch lives and inspires each of my students in the best way I
can.

For me, being a great teacher is hard if you do not know to teach with a heart.
You need to be able to put yourself on someone’s shoes and see things from their
perspective to have such a powerful impact on our decisions and actions in dealing with
them. You need to be positive all the time even if there are problems with very limited
solutions. Looking on the bright side always seems to help make things better. And of
course you need to be a better person to inspire your students in order to uncover
hidden treasures, possibilities and magic right before everyone’s eyes.
 Teaching is helping other people to learn. It is not a job which has a retirement
but it is a lifelong job that needs a mind to believe, a heart to persevere and a love to
transform others. For a teacher is a teacher forever.

This time, I am not yet the person the dream to be. There are still so many
obstacles ahead of me. But I believe in myself that I would and I can. I dare myself not
to stop dreaming because we all need a dream to be the power of our life.

~ Rhoda Mae B. Cocjin