My Teacher, My Hero

                          I could still remember the exact words my grandma said that even though you’re done in teaching children in classrooms, you’ll never stop teaching because it’s a profession that will stay in your heart and that you will never forget,

                I was struck of what she said because despite the hardships and stressful nights of teachers, they are still with us, continuing what they love so that they could give the right and quality education that we need.

                My grandma, Monina T. de Barras, 79 years of age, is a certified pharmacist in profession. During her early years, she taught Science and Mathematics subjects like Physics, Botany and many more in college wherein she pursued to take up Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She started then as a typical elementary classroom teacher to a supervisor upon her retirement. But before she reached the top of her dreams, she also had encountered and endured a lot of sacrifices and hardships. She was first assigned to very far barangay schools wherein she have to wake up at exactly 4 in the morning and arrive home by 9 in the evening.

               There were also times that she mentored her students to join Division Level Contest in Science and Mathematics. But despite of her hectic schedule, she really finds time so that she could bond with her family and still competes her task of being a mother to her 5 children.

                Indeed her teaching profession is a noble task wherein the future of the young children lies on her hands. That’s why she’s giving her hundred and one percent of confidence and focus so that she could give quality education to the students.

                But what made me more proud of her is her willingness to serve God by sharing through teaching. It is because even though she has reached the finish line in her profession, she still continued to teach the children but not in schools but in her garden. She renovated her old garden in Villaflor, Oroquieta City and made it look nice and cute so that students would be interested to learn. The best part is that, she doesn’t teach Science and Math, instead, she teaches the most essential lessons in life- the Word of God from the bible. She also bought mini-books, magazines and dvd’s about the lives if the people when Jesus was still here and share it to the children. She also gives the children snacks so that the children would be at full ease in learning. During Christmas, my grandma also throw a Christmas party for children. But she will never end the party without sharing the true essence of Christmas.

               Until now, her Saturday classes is still going on and we are so happy to say that there are more than 20 students that would come to join the class. Recently, I just joined the Saturday classes and am so happy that I am part of her class. Perhaps, teaching gives joy and smile to my grandma’s face.

               As a granddaughter, I really admire what my grandma did. She is “one of a kind” and so unique. That’s why she is my hero because I always look up to her. She proved to us that being old is not a limitation to share the gospel of God so while she is able, she would do her best to continue what she loves-teaching.

               I was wrong at the first place thinking that teaching is a simple profession. But now I realized that it’s really hard especially when you are away from your family. That is why I salute and respect the teachers for molding us students to become a bright leader in the future. Our country is indeed truly blessed by God for having good teachers who are imparting to us students their full knowledge. So let us all call the teachers our heroes because without them, famous and successful people won’t reach the top of their dreams. 

My grandma, Monina T. de Barras, 80 years old