A TALE OF PASSION

    

To all teachers around the world my salute to your enduring desires to lift our youths who crave for true education!

Teachers are bound to witness each and every fault of our students but never did we ridicule their shortcomings. We are made to show them what it is to live life and how to live it without any regret. Inside the four cornered room where we spend half of our lives is also where we realize our purpose in this world.

Teachers are said to be the best actress and actors ever performing. We set aside our personal issues, issues that are actually killing us inside. But there is no room for any private concern because as teachers as much as possible we don’t let our emotions interfere in the process of our students endeavor for learning. We try to keep it and act as if everything is alright. When one of our students cries right before our eyes, we don’t cry! Perhaps it’s something naïve for a human soul not be affected by such penetrating emotion. But in reality, we want to cry, cry harder than our students, but we don’t because we want to show them and let them feel that they can make it, that they can do it, and that they can overcome whatever trials they are going through. You hear different stories from your students; stories that will make you laugh and make you cry; stories that you never heard before. We try to put ourselves inside our students’ shoes and do something great out of it, we understand them. On the latter, we try to draw a simple and candid smile on our students’ faces to get rid of the bitterness they are feeling at the moment. We speak out of inspiring words to uplift them and to allow them to move forward. Our words simply touch their souls and bring them to a wider perspective of life. They say “every teacher guides students to a righteous path”, a path that will lead them to a better decision, and a decision that will completely change them, not just as a student but as an individual. We try to emphasize that every decision they make is something they should not regret, because good or bad it will make them grow.

 There comes a time when we want to shout and yell, tell our students how hard it is to be talking in front and yet get no attention at all. Despite the frustrating feeling we try to motivate them to listen and pay attention. We strive harder when we perceive our students are not learning at all. The feeling of frustration knocks us off when our students didn’t passed our exams, thus it means we became less effective teachers. From then on, we look for another ways to fill what was empty, we look for strategies to help our students learn even better and incorporate it in our teaching methods. Sometimes inside our mind we ask “am I not performing well?” Giving up is never the solution of course, there could be another way to solve it, we just need to look into our students and find out what’s missing and we will try to look for that missing piece and get our self out of the maze that trapped us.

Indeed, teaching profession is never that easy. It takes determination and passion to make it out of this business alive. But there is one thing that makes teaching profession the best among all the other professions in the entire world, it is when we change one single soul and take him to a life he never thought would be real. We meet different people from different walks of life, from different culture, students of diverse personalities and attitudes. In a four cornered room there dwells poles apart people predisposed to discriminating each other, but we try to build love, friendship and unity in order to pursue one particular goal and that is learning. Perhaps, a normal classroom would have numbers of students our hands could hardly count. From those students under your supervision, one of them will come back to you one day; you’ll be surprised of how he changed. You will be even stunned as he comes close to you and embraces you very tight and whisper to your ear the words of gratefulness. Slowly you sit down together cherishing the past, bringing back the old memories and you will laugh hard and a simple “thank you ma’am/sir” will make you cry. Those words are truly enough to prove that you really are a teacher and you made what you promised to become, a teacher who will transform one’s life to a life they never had imagined before.

The story of a teacher is merely about love. We love our students no matter what they are, no matter how hardheaded they are during your class; we love every single and little thing about them. We love them not just because they are simply our students but because they deserve it like all other human being. From this simple effort that we do, we get something bigger, something priceless; it’s the happiness that we see in our students’ eyes and soul, it’s the trophy that will never fade and will always linger.

This paper I believe is not enough to describe how great it is to be a teacher, but I am very much hopeful that those teachers who have read this will continue their mission in providing quality education to our youth, and for those who want to become a teacher I hope I had inspired you to become one of us.

Thank you for reading and HAPPY WORLD TEACHER’S DAY ma’am and sir!

                                                

                                                 DENDEN A. ANDANG

                                                       TEACHER

My Unforgettable Place

“Old House”

“It’s almost ruined”, this I hear from people who simply walk pass through our old house. At first sight people might say that line, but they do not really know what’s with it and it is never abandoned.

Our family now is living in a house with noise around. The place comprises many different faces from different places. At first I thought it was ideal for us to settle in a place where we can raise our livelihood to give us the things we crave in life. But one day wile walking back to the road I used to take before when I  was juvenile, immature in mind I realized is it really right to leave our old house and move in a vicinity I consider living hell?

While sitting in a corner I watch our house and a thought popped out my mind, indeed it got old. The time was so nostalgic; I find no escape, bit by bit I can feel the heavy emotions rising from me. I noticed something not far from my sight and it was a little slipper, it looks like it had been there for years. I went close to it and pulled it from the surface it’s buried. I took a glance of it for several minutes and to realize that it was my slipper out of nowhere I whispered this is the place where I used to play. Here I laugh outrageously, with playmates around the world out there seems not to exist. A day is not enough everyone wants to stay and play but my parents would say “that’s enough for today, there’s still tomorrow anyway. And one at a time my playmates would go with smile drawn in their faces. Inside the house mother was preparing for our supper, my older sister out of curiosity would usually assist her in the preparation. At the living room is where my father would typically preach us about our religion and about things significant in life. Everything was so simple. We sleep after a very long day of play and of work.

Morning comes; there was silence from all around the place. Silence won’t stay for long for birds would sing and my older sister’s deafening alarm clock would ring. It’s time to wake up, breakfast is ready. In front of me is my father reading newspaper that I find to be very boring. Right beside me is my mother feeding my little shrewd sister. Everybody is so busy doing their stuff. After breakfast I rushed into the comfort room and quickly take a bath my mind is telling me that everyone is waiting outside for me to start the game and to think those people out side our house were all bunches of ill-tempered youngsters. Everything in my mind is just so accurate, excited faces were right before my eyes. They stood altogether, everyone was complaining, of course I have to do my responsibilities before playing. And it went on; we played until all of us are tired of running and yelling. The day end with a big sigh from everyone.

Right were I stand I feel pain on my legs and I realize I've been standing there for almost an hour. I saw the slipper that was on my hand; I smile and scratch my head. Suddenly I felt an unspeakable feeling. It’s one of my memories that I always want to go back to and there is only one place where I can reminisce my childhood past and it is found in my favorite place, our old house.

Who says that was an abandoned house?  It was not abandoned because our family’s memories of joy and happiness will remain right inside and outside that house.

“The Real Me”

by Denden A. Andang

People sometimes judge me for being so irresponsible. They say that I carry out things without thinking what it may bring me. Maybe they call it foolishness as they have understood it. I say “Life is a matter of choice. It is you who decide for yourself and not other people. If you let them dictate you, then you will never get the happiness you deserve”

I believe not all people live a happy life. Primarily because they let other people interfere on whatever decisions they make. If you really want to get what you really wish to have for yourself you better decide on your own. You understand your situation well enough, than they do. So if you got mislead by them, never throw the blame to anybody because in the first place you let yourself be blinded by their sugary words. I know that it’s not wrong to listen but you should always know how wrong is different from right. As much as possible if I got to picked the wrong choice I do not want to blame anybody. I want that despite of being judged and ridiculed for what I did people will simply remember me as someone who takes the risk and courageously faced the consequences of his mistake.

People believed everything that happen in their lives have purposes. When in reality, what exactly happened to them  whether good or bad were the results of their decisions.  For me even if I got the wrong choice I would never regret it because I know I will definitely learn from it and I  can still put it right in the future. Do not get discourage if you fail to choose the right one just as long as you do not do it again. Anyway your happiness always almost depends on you and not with other people. Don’t be afraid to decide on your own because that is a proof that you choose to be yourself.

Life is indeed wonderful. And as for me I want to taste all it has to offer. It may sound ridiculous but what I’m chasing for is the experience that most people deprived their selves from. The sweetness and the bitterness of life are its natural pieces and no one could ever escape from these. I believe that you can never stay with the happiness of life without being stranded to its hostility. So if you ever get to encounter any of these, be thankful and grateful because God has always something that will surprise us.

“A son and a father”

By Denden A. Andang BSEd ENGLISH

It’s getting dark and all I can see is a thin light from afar. I was walking down our empty house, I knew that nobody’s home because I used to hear voices echoing even if you are distance away. I walk slowly thinking where could they be? The silence almost tortures my preoccupied mind. I couldn't find any reason why the house was empty? When I get to the door and about to open it there was a man standing right before I could distinguish who he was? As he get near me I saw a gloomy face that will surely suggests something was going wrong. I didn't bother asking my uncle why he was in our home and wearing that look instead I run to my room and started packing up my things. I know that look of my uncle addresses me that my father broke down from his ill-health. The silence with in the house evaporates when I receive a text message from my older sister. I know any moment in time I’ll break down but I tried to remain strong as much as I could.

While taking my way to the hospital I didn't notice that tears are already falling. I tried to hold it back but the fact that any of this moment everything will be too late. I prayed hard because I know that’s the only thing I could do for my father who is suffering from a disease I never expected to happen. Little by little my heart is being ragged, I can’t take the thought that, that ravenous disease would steal the one and only father I have. When I arrived at the hospital, I rushed into the entrance and quickly directed myself to my father’s assigned room. I’m already standing behind the door but I couldn't get my self inside. I wanted to get in but something stops me from moving and I know this is the feeling I wanted to escape from, that it might be too late and that everything will soon be over. I tried to compose my self and took the courage to enter the room. Then I realized I was wrong. The worries suddenly vanish. My mother stood up and told me to keep silent. For a moment I watched my father as he tried to chase his breathe and this is something that I don’t want to see. He was totally breathless and the only thing that helped him breathe in is the machine connected to him. It hurts to see him in that state. I would have wanted to take his place and get him away from that condition. I’d rather be on his place than to see him in too much pain. After an hour my father tried to move. He was talking but it was hard for us t understand him. I was surprised when he pointed on me but I don’t know what he was up to. My mother went near him and tried to ask my father what he was trying to express. A couple of minutes had passed. My mother approached me and told me to go home. I intently ask her why? But find no response from her. I wanted to stay with my father but my mother wouldn't want me to, and I simply don’t know why? I tried to ask her for the second time, and her answer struck me with pain.

            Two months have passed by very fast. My father departed this life. Life has been so unfair to me and the rest of the family. The day he died is the same day I felt I was lost and nowhere to be found. I was alone and trying to take in what had happened.  My father’s lost almost kill my existence as a happy and funny person. But I have to be strong not just for my self but for my mother I know who felt so much pain more than we do. Days without my father around left our home in silence and sorrow.  Nobody dared to talk about him not without my mother who kept on encouraging us to live like we all do before. Although pain is still drawn on my mother’s face we all decided to keep our own feelings to ease my mother’s misery. Later on we learned to accept that my father is gone and continue our life in the absence of someone to call father.

            It’s an ordinary day to call. Something slips out from my mouth that I didn't intend to ask but something pushed me. My mother in surprised answered back. Suddenly tears fell down my cheek. I didn't know what to say because I was left dumbfounded. My father intended not to see me in the hospital because he does not want to see me crying. That he does not want to see his son in pain because of his condition. Then I realize how lucky I am to be his son and to have him as my father.

“Shoes”

Denden Andang

We wear a pair of shoes naturally to give comfort to our feet. We wear it to look good and sometimes to look more expensive. There are times we search for the best pair of shoes that will absolutely suit our taste in fashion.

Indeed, shoes define human walks of life. Shoes with signature may be worn by the rich ones and those bought perhaps in lower cost worn by the less privilege.

In reality we look at shoes as a representation of what we are with in the society and an accessory that we just simply remove. But to realize its real worth is nobody’s business.

For someone who knows the real quintessence of a pair of shoes is the very best gift you can give. For they truly know that this pair of shoes will bring them to many unforgettable experience that some people deprived themselves from.

A pair of shoes is never different from any other. But it may vary as to someone who wears it. Shoes torn apart may embody its essence not by its prize but through the challenges it had undergone and the trials it had overcome. Every step it leaves also leaves a memory that will be loved forevermore.

                Eventually, we will realize that shoes are not just simply a cover on our feet but a buddy that will bring us to our peak of success. That no matter how far we have travelled will remain the best memory of experience that we will never forget.

My Final Entry in Reading Log

Book Title: A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett                                               March 28, 2012

Part 1

REFLECT

                This novel tells the uplifting story of a young girl of fortune, who is left impoverished after the death of her father. Her clear imagination and joyful attitude keeps her world turn around and make her situation bearable despite the tough times and disregard that she came across.

                As a young child Sarah Crewe was brought over from India by her father to enroll in a girl’s seminary in London. Her greatest happiness was to “imagine” things to make more magical, both for herself and those less privilege than herself. She was the favorite among all the girls in the seminary, her first day in school surprises everyone, and her versatility stunned her classmates.  She owned gorgeously and wonderfully fashioned clothes, French maid and personal carriage, these possessions set her apart from the rest that eventually carved jealousy in Miss Minchin, the rapacious head of the school. The sun does not always shine, after her days of joy the rest of her day in the seminary was field with grief and sorrow. The day her father died was also the day her life turned drastically into hell. She was left alone in poverty, it was a harsh time for her, she has to put herself in a situation she never gone to visualize. But despite how inequitable life was she remained strong and brave, and resisted all the pain and criticism she got from the people around her. Sarah somehow was lucky enough to have a circle of friends that gives her strength and helped her throughout her distress.

CONNECT

                “The sun does not always shine so it’s ok to lose sometimes”. Looking at the reality of life we do not always take the trophy home, sometimes it was the others who much deserve it. And Sarah Crewe who had experienced the bitterness of life never surrendered and fought for her right to live. Her optimism made her strong enough to carry all the pains of life that the death of her father brought her. And indeed we do the same thing, I do not look at things negatively, instead I gaze at them as if I can go beyond it. Although there was this tough circumstance we may inevitably bump into just like Sarah Crewe faith to our mighty creator would enormously bring us remedy.

QUESTION

                What if Sarah Crewe’s father did not die? Would she experience the same occurrence? What if she was never found by the Indian Gentlemen? Would her sorrow continue?

PREDICT

                   Maybe Sarah Crewe would live a happy life with the Indian Gentlemen. Probably she will help Becky out of her poor situation now that she’s already free from Miss Minchin’s ferociousness. And eventually she will continue helping those marginalized individuals especially the young ones.

Part 2

     I have already witness this story in television when I was young and I thought it wouldn’t make any difference if I read the novel of the same story, but I was wrong then, in this novel Sarah Crewe was portrayed experiencing the dire bitterness of life. The pain she had was unbearable if it was to occur to some. And amazingly Sarah Crewe despite her young age she was able to continue life and live it the way others live it.

   "How it is that animals understand things I do not know, but it is
certain that they do understand. Perhaps there is a language which is
not made of words and everything in the world understands it. Perhaps
there is a soul hidden in everything and it can always speak, without
even making a sound, to another soul."

    

  Looking at this line we may think that it is impossible to talk to an animal and get an answer from them, would that be some kind of foolishness? But with the case of Sarah Crewe her situation impels her to look for someone whom she can share her ache and she found it to animals. Probably the difference between friends and animals is that friends we only allow them into our company, and animals like our pets we allow them into our solitude, and this what happens to Sarah Crewe she share loneliness to her animal friend.

Book Title: Captive Witness by Carolyn Keene                                       February 28, 2012

Part 1

1.       Reflect

When I started reading the novel I find it incredible for Nancy Drew to be a brilliant detective at her age. While the pressure and tension in the novel increases her capability to figure-out everything gets more fascinating.

 I like the way she managed to put control over the situations and how she play it on her palm. She is as good as those proficient detectives in the city. Her optimism really I admired the most. No matter how easier said than done the problems were, she could easily crack them all. Like when she was situated in a circumstance where she was to rescue ten innocent children from the Hungarian port to be fetched at the port of Austria. Her expertise as a young detective was then dared. The obstructions she might encounter were too perilous for anyone to vanquish. Rescuing the children requires a mature mentality in order to get through it. But Nancy at her age of 18 did not fail the children and the people who expect a lot from her.  Her ability to think of ways to decipher puzzles was fast, precise and accurate.

I was also enthralled by how she understood and analyzed the things that happen around her and could easily predict the outcomes of it.

2.       Connect

Back when I was young I used to play games such as hide and sick. Kids would probably look for the others who are hiding without even thinking where? So they lose the chance of winning the game. They even spend much of their energy just to find the other kids.

Just like Nancy Drew analyzing was the thing I do first before I moved for a look. Where could be the possible hiding places they conceal themselves from me? This question was already established at the back of my mind. I disburse less energy and finding them made it easier for me. That is why at the end of the day I somehow win the game.

Nancy Drew’s courage and bravery were counted to be the most important elements that brought her to triumph. I may not be as Nancy Drew whose courage and bravery was tested in impermeable situations but instead facing my fear proved how courageous and brave I am. Yes, because when I was in elementary I used to have a stage fright but I realized circumstances whether complicated or undemanding has to be confronted.

3.       Question

I wanted to know if Nancy Drew has this special feeling for Ned Nickerson. Is Nancy Drew attracted with Eric? Why does Nancy’s father, Carson Drew let her handle tough cases that would put her daughter’s life into danger? What if Nancy Drew and the rest of the group were not able to pursue their plan? And what if they fail to rescue the children? Perhaps when Herr Guttenberg took Nancy Drew and Ned Nickerson in hand and they were not able to escape could Professor Bagley and Eric succeed in rescuing the children?

4.       Predict

I think Nancy Drew will be awarded as an outstanding young detective. She might end-up as a popular and in demand detective of her generation. Perhaps she’s going to choose Ned Nickerson over Eric. And most probably Nancy Drew will handle more hard-hitting cases that will put her in danger, but I trust how she will overcome those cases she is about to encounter.

Part 2

                                                                        Purok Lansong,Tambler

                                                                  General Santos City

                                                                                                     February 28, 2012

Dear Nancy Drew,

            You know what! I’m a big fan of your character in the novel “Captive Witness”. I really admired how you play your role as a young detective in the novel. Your ability was fascinating; it was surprisingly unbelievable that at the age you have you act as if your one of those pioneers detectives in the field.

             Perhaps, an ordinary young lady would have been running and hiding herself and cry out loud if she will be confronted with the same circumstances you had encountered, but amazingly you just did an extraordinary shift to every obstacles you are in. Your mentality was far of being young anymore you think as if you knew what would come out in a certain circumstance.

            Honestly, your relationship with Ned Nickerson is quite intriguing. But I believe you have this special feeling for him, though sometimes you find him some kind of a bragging but a good-for-nothing school boy. Well, lucky for you because even if he makes himself stupid in front of you, he’s always been there holding up for you. I hope your gonna choose the right beau for you. And I supposed it is Ned Nickerson.

            I wish I could play the same role you played. But for the mean time your function in the novel will surely encourage and inspire me to do my best as a person.

Respectfully Yours,

Denden a. Andang