Hi'ya! This is my essay about my teachers and how grateful I am to have them in my life, i have written this on behalf of them. I know it's long but i hope you'll like it. anyway, please feel free to comment if you wish! :D
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At my early age I have learned how to use my two feet to walk and at the same time, use my mouth to speak , though some are not understandable, but at least I am already growing. I thank my parents for letting me enter school at the age of five. Though my school was not that big, and only has one section per level, I have come to live with that small environment and enjoyed most of my stay there. I am proud to be part of that school during my childhood years. But what I am mostly grateful for is my teachers. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to speak fluent English, perform calculations and even write this. I thank God for giving them to me, as my second mother or mothers, (there were two of them that time, and teachers from my kindergarten school were all female.) I remember their names; we call them teacher together with their birth names. Early in the morning, I would be brought to school by my father, holding my hands and my school bag. And as we enter my classroom, my father would make me greet my teacher. I would say, “Good morning Teacher Letty, good morning Teacher Jenny.” At first I was shy but as days go by, I got used to it.
I remember my first classroom that time, a very wide place for learners like me. The door was only made of a divider; there two shelves lined as you enter, more than 5 tables that has 6 chairs each fills the rest of room. And of course, my favorite spot, the toy shelves. I would play with those together with some of my classmates during lessons or recess. I was often scolded but I didn’t care much I they was. But during my kindergarten years, I have learned how to read and write. I have learned the corresponding objects that symbolize the ABC, and even objects to the 123. I am very grateful for my first two teachers; for being a model of dignity and loving me together with my classmates and for being so patient with us. Though at times we may have been very naughty, my teachers would only just scold us, I know they’re angry, but I don’t blame them. But despite of our horse plays, our teacher never lost her patience and maintained a good attitude towards her children and did not give in to anger.
I am glad, that you have been part of my life, for 2 years of being in Kindergarten; you were there to witness me as an individual and taught me how to stand firmly and use what was given to me. For all you cared about was us, to learn and to gain knowledge and be open to the world. And of course, be a servant of God. I have no regrets of spending 2 years under your tutelage.
And as I went to elementary, I have been handled by different teachers. During that time, I am not really fond of studying and reading. All I ever want to do is play, play and play. But my teachers never failed to discipline me. Telling me to hit the books and start studying and make my grades higher than the line of seven.(At least an average of 80 or above.) If I can, I should aim for a hundred, but little did I care about school. Like I said, I wanted to play, play and just play.
My father had to punish me every time he is called in school. Either I get a failing mark or perhaps if I did something wrong. I hated that time when the principal calls my father in the office or scold me or even give me a green note. It is a note that states of a failing grade or misbehavior. I honestly never showed it to my parents, but they still found out. I had to say, “Why can’t they just let me be, I did what I could, but what do they want from me?”
That question remained stuck in my mind until I graduated. And as I have entered high school, everything changed. A brand new environment, brand new people surrounding me and of course, brand new teachers.
During one of our lectures, I remembered what was taught to me during my elementary days. There were some things that I remember that only I know while the others don’t. I said to myself, if I find this answer when I get home, then I’d be thankful for keeping my old notebook. And so I did, but then, the only thing I realized, is what I am supposed to be doing. To be a student of good grades, and a student who is responsible enough and has the willingness to learn.
It was definitely what my elementary teachers wanted me to be. I then thought of everything that has happened. They scold me for misbehaving because they want me to be good. They call my parents to the office because they want me to become better and not worse. They send green notes so that I can be given extra attention so that I can be better in the next exams and even during lessons. They keep telling me to study my lessons, review, and practice and stop goofing off. And who am I to thank for that, well of course, my teachers.
For someone who has no relations to me, they have cared so much of me. It is as if I am theirs. They tend to raise their voice at me, just to tell me to be serious in school. They would not give up on my selfish behavior; they want me to be someone. Someone whom they can be proud of and someone whom they can put their trust. There were no favoritisms. They give no special treatments to the honor students. But the special treatment was for us; those that they want to be great.
I learned how to use the plus, minus multiplication and division sign. I have learned how to appreciate books and reading. I have learned how to write and even how to write this letter which I dedicate to my beloved teachers. I have learned to be a great individual, with pride and honor. And most of all, I have done my best for these teachers of mine to be proud.
I am thankful for all the hard work that no other people could have done. The hardships you have undergone just for our sake. The time you have spent in that school building just to teach. The way you shouted the lessons made us listen and keep those teachings with us up until now. You have written so many lectures on the board so that we could copy. We study those so that we could obtain the knowledge that you wished to share with us. Even if the chalk was dusty and made you allergic to it, you spent the time standing there, pointing on that wood and calling our attention as you discuss. You were so determined and became a good example to us. And you never failed to teach us what is right and what is wrong. You’ve taught us what we were suppose to be doing and helped raise us into a better person.
I am proud to be your student. I am thankful for all your hard work, unbeatable determination and subtle sacrifices. You have done enough for us, and I truly believe that you have given us enough values, lessons and knowledge. I am grateful that you have been a part of my life, my never ending chapter. And I am glad that you became a part of me that I carry all throughout my life.
As of now, I am in my third year in college. A lot has changed since I have entered this kind of environment. I became more mature and became stronger than before. If before, I could only walk with two feet, now I can walk with just one. I struggle to achieve high grades and I worked so hard, whether day or night just to be good. I have brought the values that I know and so are teachings which are stuck in my head. Though life in college is far more different from elementary and high school, but at least I am grateful to have teachers to guide me all the way.
For the students, it is a very tough challenge to get a single 1.00, but the sacrifices are worth trying even if sometimes you have thoughts of being wrong. It’s never a loss to try and pursue the highest grade that we could get. You would not spend your time in school trying to figure out what the heck is the subject about. You should never be afraid, because someone will always be there to guide you until you are fully loaded. That someone is your teacher.
It is truly an honor to have someone be by your side to teach the lessons that you want to learn. The teachers are always prepared to do whatever it takes for you to learn. And they are always there to explain things that you wish to understand; but if you never have cooperated and put your pride on the front line. There would never be a learning, and your mind will not be set to learn, and whatever you’ll do, it will never function. For you have already said, that you don’t want learn.
The teachers will do their job, to teach and to grade. They are not to blame if you fail because you intended it, or if you wished to fail, that is merely the problem of the students. The teacher, which I firmly believe, has said, that no matter what happens, they will teach. But if pride had taken you away, then it’s definitely your fault.
To my teachers, I know it is hard to handle 50 different kinds of people; those who have different personalities and attitudes. There may not be a hundred percent that will cooperate with you but if ever, at least a percent does. This single percent will at least be the one who listens to you, have the heart to cooperate and someone who will wish to go out of the classroom full of knowledge that you have shared. I know it has been a very difficult situation for you, even as a student, I have felt of that struggling effort that you make. But though many are against you, I am apologizing on behalf of what the students have done and said against you. But please do me a very big favor, please continue to be a model of morality and remain the noblest person that I have known in this crazy life. Please continue the love of your profession and your countless efforts that you have given to the students; the bonds that have been made, the laughter’s that we have shared and even the sermons that you make if we’ve gone nuts. And most of all, the second parent that we will meet, and will going to have all through out our entire life.
I, personally have idolized these people, I have shared my thoughts with them, befriended them, and treated them as part of my family. I am grateful to have them beside me, scold me, and even praise me. I give thanks to these people; they who have taught you how to become mature, and even how to stand on our own two feet. I am thankful for the failing marks and for the hundred percents that I receive for all my work. I have nothing to object with all the negative reactions that I have seen. I truthfully admit the entire mistakes I have committed and for being mad at me. I am honored to have them and have included them in my endless chapters that I am fulfilling my entire life. And because of all the words and actions that I have received, I have become a better person and have the best that I can be.
My teachers, my idols, my second parents, and my second family, I have my own reasons why I have idolized you for being a teacher. I have seven reasons why I do. Though is very similar to the code of ethics, but what matters most, is that you have been applying these and have shown it to us. And therefore gave me a reason why I idolize you.
First, you as teachers despite of being duly licensed professionals who possess dignity and reputation with high moral values as well as technical and professional competence in the practice of your noble profession, and they strictly adhere to, observe, and practice sets of ethical and moral principles, standards, and values. You never fail to follow these principles. And you have stood up to show these to the students and have become a model of it. And thus, you have been a very good example to those people who witness you in your job, and have been trying your best to guide us, to go to the right path, leading us to become someone that you can be proud of.
Second, you as teachers are facilitators of learning and of the development of the youth. You have rendered the best service that you can render by providing an environment conducive to such learning and growth. When you have taken your step in that platform inside the classroom, you are already making the effort of teaching us the lessons that we wish to learn. Though fees are way too expensive in terms of finance, but at least these high priced services are worth paying. We may have paid more than a thousand peso for just three hours a week of lessons, but these lessons are the surely kept in our mind and hearts. We could use these in our chosen profession, or maybe, have it shared with the new generation. It is expensive but yet, it is worthy.
Third, you have merited reasonable social recognition in which you behave with honor and dignity at all times and refrains from such activities as gambling, smoking, drunkenness, and other excesses, much less illicit relations. No matter how many vices there could be, even if you are being influenced by some other people. You still have the strength to object to these and stand up with dignity and honor. No matter how good it may be, you still chose to do the right way. Even if you were the only one left in this world who does not get to enjoy these vices, at least you can stand and shout that you are a person of dignity and honor. That no matter how good vices can be, you still have your dignity with you even until your last breath.
Fourth, you are above all, a human being endowed with life for which it is the highest obligation to live with dignity at all times whether in school, in the home, or elsewhere. You have respect with yourself and with others; you are well respected because you know how to do it with others. And with no doubt, you are considered the noblest person that ever lived in this world. And, you make sacrifices for the benefits of the students. Somehow others do not see it. But even so, you have God to witness the good deeds that you’ve done.
Fifth, you have placed premium upon self-discipline as the primary principle of personal behavior in all relationships with others and in all situations. You do not act childish and you do not show any signs that you are disrespectful. You wake up in the morning, feeling fresh and of course, you have brought your pride and dignity with you. You know how to distinguish what is good from bad. You never forget that you are to set an example that the students would follow. And of course, you give respect to your surroundings and the result is no doubt fruitful.
Sixth, you as a teacher maintain a dignified personality at all times which could serve as a model worthy of emulation by learners, peers and all others. I don’t have the slightest idea on how you do it. But I congratulate you together with your perseverance and compassion. Because of you, we learn and we apply for whatever reason, the lessons that you’ve taught us. You lay the foundation on our future, sometimes we may not be in good terms, but forgive us for that stupidity; for we don’t know what we are doing, and pride is taking the best of us. But you need not to worry, you have taught us to be mature and how to think. Sooner or later, we will find out what were our mistakes and surely will plead.
But most of all, you recognize the Almighty God as guide of your destiny and of the destinies of men and nations. You never forget to say thanks and ask for forgiveness to him. And that makes you a true model of righteousness and morality, and one of the reasons why I adored thee. God is no doubt the most Almighty one, and you never fail to remain humble and accept God as your Lord and your Savior.
And so my dear teachers, in two years I will graduate with my degree. I am hoping to wear that piece of black cloth on my body and the cap that signifies me as a graduate. I am thankful to you, to my parents and of course, God. I thank thee for coming into my life. I thank thee for nurturing us. I thank thee for all the sacrifices you’ve made. And I thank thee, for the love that we shared even for a short time. My dear teachers, I will walk on that platform holding my diploma and offering it you. If I ever get to have any medals, then the medal is the symbol of our hardship and our relationship as a teacher and a student. The medal shall remain in my hands to remind all that I was once part of your class. That I am proud to have you guide me as I walk the path that I’ve chosen.
Thank you my teachers! Thank you! I will never forget you, my second parents, and nor will I leave the room without the knowledge that you’ve shared with me. And never will I forget that you are my teacher.
You, as the noblest, the loving, the kindest, and the most self-sacrificing person that anyone could have.
R.M. Cuenca
