Traversing with the Infinity (Sun Rays #1)

Chapter 35

Chapter 35

"Teacher Rize! Kailan po ang quiz?!"

I was swarmed by my students as I entered their classroom. Holding my laptop, I set it down on the table and crossed my arms, pretending to cast a serious gaze over my eager audience.

"Na-announce ko ba kagabi sa group chat na may quiz ngayon?" patay malisya kong sagot.

"Lah? Wala kaming internet kagabi po!"

"Wala po, Ma'am, cross my heart!"

It's Friday, and both students and teachers are allowed to dress in regular clothes. I sported a navy blue long-sleeve polo with the sleeves rolled up to my elbows, paired with grey trousers and black vintage loafers. My hair was styled in my usual man bun, and, of course, I couldn't forget my teacher ID, the badge of honor in this casual ensemble.

Guillermo, Ritienzy Lourence T.
Master Teacher II

"Hindi po talaga, Ma'am!" they answered in chorus.

"Ay, edi mag quiz tayo ngayon," I nonchalantly said. Umingay tuloy sila lalo, nagsi-reklamuhan na sila. "Luh, joke lang, e."

"Joke time ka, Ma'am! Sana 'di masarap ulam niyo!"

"Wala nang quiz. Ga-graduate naman na kayo kaya sige, i-perfect ko na. Ngayon ko kayo pagbibigyan," sabi ko at umupo sa teacher's table. "But in one condition. . ."

I opened my laptop and announced their potential grades one by one. Each score was a reflection of their efforts and a glimpse of what they could achieve in my class.

"Since the exam is approaching, we'll review all the key points together. Ibig sabihin, magre-review lang tayo. However, I need all your participation, and I'll add points to your index cards for any contributions you make. Malinaw ba?" I said casually.

Bawas stress na rin naman iyon. For sure, sobrang stressful ng schoolworks nila ngayon dahil graduating pa naman sila bilang senior high.

"Yes, Ma'am! Ready na po kami!"

"Bait mo talaga, Ma'am! Thank you!"

They started making cheerful noises, obviously relieved from what I've said a while ago. Halatang nabunutan sila ng tinik sa lalamunan dahil hindi na sila magku-quiz ngayon. One of the students' favorite announcements-either the teacher won't be meeting them or the quiz is canceled.

My class has not started yet, so it's really fine for them to chitchat a bit. They know their limits, though, once I step up to discuss, they settle down and listen.

But I won't settle for complete silence. I want them to engage and participate in my class as much as possible because that's how they will stay focused on the lesson. I'm sure, when they are involved, there's a better chance they will like and appreciate my teaching style. I'm not allowing any of them to feel left out.

Additionally, mas makaka-close mo pa sila kapag talagang interactive ang bawat estudyante sa loob ng klase. While there are boundaries in the teacher-student relationship, they understand how to navigate those limits.

I've been teaching for three years now, guiding Senior High School students here in Centro. I specialize in English for Academic and Professional Purposes. I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Secondary Education, majoring in Social Studies.

Never did I imagine that just three years after passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers, I would already be shaping young minds. It's an achievement I still carry with pride. I had multiple offers from both private and public schools, but in the end, I chose to teach at one of my alma maters, sincef it's one of my decisions that closest to my heart.