In memory of Eugene Garcia: (she was) a Teach-USA applicant. May she rest in peace.
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Teaching is my greatest passion in life. I really love to teach children with a heart. In fact, I have served the Dep Ed Philippines for almost 22 years. In that long service I have rendered, I received lots of accomplishments and awards regarding teaching and thus made me promoted gradually and now became a Master Teacher II here in the Philippines. And just recently, this time of pandemic, I was awarded as Huwarang Guro in the District of San Manuel, Tarlac. An award that is a result of dedication, compassion hard work and love for teaching.
But despite of these achievements, despite of these awards, despite of the services I have rendered, still people mocked me, people don’t believe in me, people despise on me, some people would belittle me because I do not have the guts, I do not have the power, I do not have the money and fame that others had. It seems that there are people who don’t appreciate me because I am just a poor teacher. Knowing the Filipino mentality sometimes, to them, money is power. To them money makes fame. No matter how good we are, no matter how intelligent we are, if we do not have money, then everything seems nothing and useless.
I felt so discouraged, and told myself, I have done my very best but still, there are some who don’t appreciate me, there are some who can’t see the value in me. I got frustrated until such time when I cried in tears in prayer, the LORD God spoke to me, and said “rise up and go to a place that I promised you to go. A place where you can find yourself, a place where you can be appreciated, a place that will suffice your lacking in life. A place where they can see your value. A place where you are destined to go to.
If God is calling me to a certain place where I can live, learn and share my profession. Then I will not hesitate to follow. I know that the All knowing God has a better plan for me. Plan to prosper me and not to harm me as indicated in Jeremiah 29:11. I always beg and pray in tears to God to change my life for the better.
So after praying, it came to my mind about my application for teacher in the U.S before, Maybe. It’s Gods perfect time for me to pursue my greatest dream in life. And that is to become a teacher in the U.S. and this will come into a reality by God’s grace and favor and with the help of Teach USA.
Here was our last conversation - a few days before she passed on.
We want to live our lives not seeking money and all the material things this world can give. Instead, let's all seek God and His purpose in our lives. And if it means a little sacrifice to be away from your family for a little while, moving out of your comfort zone to prepare for the tasks ahead, and trusting God and the process more, then so be it.
Eugene is a good, passionate, and admirable teacher. We are blessed to have been a part of her short but exciting preparation to her US adventure!
May she Rest In Peace.