Love Persist

Kabanata 32 - There exists a therapy known only to a select few: camaraderie.

"You know, class, I'll tell you this: I've been teaching for more than 60 years. Your parents, some of them might have even been my students at one point. Do you know your professors in other subjects? They used to be my students when they were in college. You see them now, successful and highly skilled as teachers. And now, here you are, studying with us. For what purpose? To develop your potential and become a future educator. I will do the same for you as I have done for your professors and help you become successful like them.

"My colleagues, who are also teachers like me and very close to me, often ask when I plan to retire. I understand their concern about my age and health, but no, as long as I am capable physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, and as long as I can still climb those long stairs, I have every intention to keep teaching. I believe that as long as I can make a difference and shape the lives of children, I will continue to serve and transform them into better individuals."

While seated comfortably with my arm resting on the armchair and my chin planted in my palm, I attentively absorbed Professor Palma's words. Ganito siya tuwing sa class namin sa kaniya; nagbabahagi siya ng mga stories about her personal life and experiences. Kung ibang guro 'to baka tinulugan ko na, but hindi ko puwede gawin 'yon dahil baka hindi na ulit ako makapasok sa class niya. Walang choice kundi makinig na lang. In fairness, some of her shared stories were interesting and funny; kaya hindi na rin masama, at least binibigyan niya kami ng time to be prepared sa buong diskusyon rather than delving 'agad sa topic.

"At this point, mauubos na naman ang isa't kalahating oras sa magkukwento niya about her life."

Binigyan ko ng warning look si Heidi baka kasi marinig siya ni Professor Palma. Malakas pa naman din ang pandinig ni professor.

"Shut up ka nga. Madadamay na naman ako dahil sa'yo."

"E'di 'wag mo akong pansinin, duh!"

Napaka-attitude talaga.

Kaagad akong umayos ng upo nang lumapit si Professor Palma sa side namin.

"Apart from wanting to make a positive impact on society and educate the future generation, I believe there must be a personal reason why you have chosen this path. I am curious to know what has motivated you to pursue teaching and what inspires you to become a teacher. Is there anyone in the class who would like to share their inspiration and reasons for choosing the teaching profession?"

Side-eyeing...

Avoid eye contact...

Be calm...

"Mateo."

Failed.

Ang sarap magdabog. Hindi ako prepared sa tanong, ha. Ano ba naman itong si professor. Nandito naman si Heidi sa katabi ko na puro reklamo about sa kaniya bakit hindi kinarma. Ayos lang naman sa akin na magkuwento siya about her personal life, pero bakit dinadamay pa ako.

"Not everyone may know this, but Mateo comes from a family of educators. Her grandparents were actually my high school teachers, and I cherish the memories of being friends with one of her aunts, who unfortunately passed away. She was my dearest friend, and I'm happy that Mateo is here now to carry on their family's teaching legacy."

Napayuko ako. Siya na lang kaya sumagot sa tanong niya.

But what she had said were true. I didn't know na may alam pala siya sa family ko, lalo na iyong part na dearest friend niya pala ang favorite Auntie ko. Pero hindi nakakapagtaka kasi super friendly ni Aunt at magaling din siyang guro. If only kung nandito pa siya ngayon, sigurado akong she would be happy na kineep ko ang promise ko sa kaniya.

"Okay, Mateo. We want to hear your inspirations and reasons for choosing the teacher profession. You may start now."

Huminga ako ng malalim bago nagsimulang magsalita.