October 05, 2011

The Principle of Tough Love


Fifteen years of teaching has taught me a lot of things
I was so aggressive during my first few years
Pouring out that early what I have in my bag
And felt should it be shared to students
Over those years, I witnessed how students
Try to determine how far they can go
In terms of making the teacher
Adjust to their situation

And I tried my best to be good
Understanding and caring
To the best of my ability
But I saw how students
Can be abusive unconsciously
Or even deliberately
Thanks to my exposure
To treatment and rehabilitation approaches to drug dependents
It was from them where I learned
The Principle of TOUGH LOVE

While it could also be very uncomfortable at times
I need to be tough if only to tell students
That their "ego tripping" will not work this time

Oftentimes, teachers are accused of ego tripping
Even by fellow teachers,
Siding with some students
But little did they know
How students manipulate situations
And make some of their teachers
Appear like the "kontrabida" in the teledrama
The students themselves have created
To feed their personal interests

I have learned my lesson
And I'm confident people will later realize
That what I'm doing now will also be beneficial
To thesis advisers and panelists
Who else end up being harassed by students
Who at the end of semester,
Will all rush to them as if they are
The only concerns teachers have in school
As if, teachers are superheroes
Who must save them in their most critical moments
In school - at all times

TAO din kami
In the same manner that students
would always claim their rights as students

Students we know ae also like us
Who have limitations as well
But we teachers are not stupid
not to know who's naughty or nice
Even if they are not Santa's in their eyes

Yours,
CM DOMA

(It was exactly two years ago while I was currently working on my thesis,
When this anecdote was personally shared to me by my dearest thesis adviser,
one of my great mentors - Prof. Crescencio Doma.)

HAPPY WORLD TEACHERS DAY!
For all those teachers out there, be proud for you have the gift to share knowledge,
to spread wisdom in our society. Your teachings are valuable treasures which can never 
be taken away from mankind.

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