Traversing with the Infinity (Sun Rays Series #1)

CHAPTER 35

Chapter 35 (Last Chapter)

"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," 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 'yon. For sure, sobrang stressful ng schoolworks nila ngayon dahil graduating pa naman sila bilang senior high.

"Yes, Ma'am! Ready na 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 ng tinik ang lalamunan nila dahil hindi na sila magku-quiz.

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.

And 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 have been teaching for 3 years. Sa Senior High School din ako nagtuturo dito sa Centro. English for Academic and Professional Purposes or EAPP ang subject na itinuturo ko sa senior high.

I was busy making the questionnaires for my subject, para 'yon sa exam. Na-distract lang ako dahil sa pagtunog ng phone ko.

Soon as I reached for it, excited ko itong sinagot dahil tumatawag ang pinakamamahal ko.

"Yes, my love? Commander? Okay lang ako dito, okay lang ang mga anak natin. Malulusog sila," sunod-sunod kong sabi.

Medyo natawa ako sa sinabi ko. I am truly proud of him because he have been promoted as Chief Astronaut in NASA soon as he finished studying at the university.