The Itinerants Path

Yes, I’m back! For many days of being busy with my new school assignment, I realized that there are many things I would like to blog about. I was absorbed with many tasks as a new teacher.

First, as a subject teacher. As expected, I was assigned to teach Values (Religion) subject to first year and second year students; four sections of freshmen and three for sophomores. There are only two lesson plan preparation but with extra tasks, I always find myself busy with extra-curricular activities such as soccer coaching and moderating the Saint Marcellin Champagnat Club (that include blogging and bloghopping). I can’t even find a good time to finish my assignment given by Br. John Tan, the NDDU President; sorry bigbro, I’m still looking for chances to finish it. At least this time, I had always the time to visit NDKC Farm to spend some time of reflecting and making lesson plans. The place is a quiet place where I can focus and be with myself alone after week-long of teaching. Thus, little rest at the farm is indeed a good escapade for a while during weekend.

The students I have are being entrusted to me and they have the right to be educated. They come to school and be taught with good values. Values Education subject is the most difficult subject; that’s my opinion. It’s always about life, values, religion, ethics and morals. Sometimes, I find myself unworthy for this task but it is a challenge that help me grow and become better person. I also learned form the lessons I presented. For three weeks already, we are now learning more about Christ’s birth, baptism and mission. Now, I can use what I have learned from Marist Asia-Pacific Center, IFRS and Mary Hill School of Theology in Manila. Most of what I introduced to my students are  from my notes last year. I am thankful enough that most of the time, the second year students participate and listen well to our topic. I am challenged to be creative and innovative in presentting our lesson. Discipline is not a big deal, maybe because they are more respectful to the Brothers like me than to other teachers.

Second, as SMC class adviser (Saint Marcellin Champagnat section). This is composed 0f 52 second year students (good students). I was hesitant at first to be their adviser. And yet, founded with what Marcellin’s teaching, I must accept the challenge especially that SMC class is always considered as special class for it bears the name of the Founders of the Marist Brothers who run the school. One unique way of dealing with them is through accompaniment. I learned this from my formation that until now, it is still very effective in journeying with others. I applied it to my advisory class; a unique one that other advisers don’t offer it. As usual, a group of seven students (I called them alphabetically) share their academic struggles and how are they in my class. I also make follow up about their study habit at home and if inspired, I let them share to the group about their family. Everytime we have a group accompaniment, a new friendship is always being created among the class; this made me happy and inspired…

I was also given extra tasks. Coaching soccer is really tough. They need somebody who is a real coach, but that’s not me. I am alwasy with them during drills and practices but sometimes, I have to attend to my SMC club and faculty meetings, too. Aside from those tasks, I am getting anxious with the incoming Vocation Month of September. I just attended the Vocation Promotion Workers Meeting at Bishop Palace and again, another tasks were given to me. Here at the community, I was tasked by the superior to be the Local Vocation Promoter (LVP). Whew! Well, those are call of the time for me as a Marist Brother.

Just this morning, I had a chance to call Asilo de San Vicente de Paul, a home for street children located at U.N. Avenue in Paco, Manila. I called up the line of Ms. Neri directly which she answered quickly. I was happy to know that those children whom I was with every Saturday and Sunday are doing well (They were present during my graduation last October 2007). I fact, I was able to talk with Jomar, the eldest among my student-friends. He was very eager telling me that he made to be the top three among the graduating pupils last March. I was very happy that we gained something important for him after many weeks of learning together. His younger brother, Joshua, was doing good also in the school. I miss their company so much… but I am resolved with what our Constitution and Statutes says, “We leave the place when we are no longer needed…” Thanks to Marcellin for teaching his Brothers, “In order to teach children, you must love them equally…”