Teacher Journeys

  Week 4/52 #Weeklies Life happens. All was well during my 3-hour drive to Roswell, NM to visit a school in Tatum some 1.5 hours away, but on the road back to Santa Fe, a lot of ‘life’ happened. After just 30 minutes of driving there was lightning and it hailed so hard I had to … Read more

Week 3/52 #Weeklies To each his own, but if there is one thing I’d like to #pushmore it is knowing that my dreams will come true even if I don’t know how, yet. You see… I have sweaty palms in high school. Thus, I shied away from holding hands – with girlfriends and especially boys! … Read more

Week 2/52 #Weeklies Sometimes, I am too preoccupied on wanting to be more, do more, and have more that I get too stressed – and it’s not good.   I remember the story of the fisherman who was relaxing by the beach, and then a businessman came and talked him into doing more than what … Read more

Week 1/52 #Weeklies   “A house with centralized AC!” One day, I’ll live in a house with centralized air conditioning! I told my mom one crazy hot summer back in my high school years. At the back of my mind, I knew it was a crazy dream, how will it ever happen?! I didn’t know… … Read more

I had my second child in 2006. Dennis, my husband, worked as a seaman that time. Of course, I wanted a complete family. I did not like the idea that my two kids will grow up and not know their father as they should be (because he comes and goes), and I didn’t want that. … Read more

It has been 8 years since we landed here in the US to work for the schools. For those who know me personally or follow this blog, you know I’ve moved and stepped up on my career ladder. The view from up top is different. If before my only concern was the list of students … Read more

I asked my boss if he will be doing the conference call every month, and he told me, “No, you will do it!”  I was like, “Noooo! I do not know the verbiage… yet!”  Very believing and uplifting as he is, he told me, “I know you were just shy! I was just like you … Read more

  I remember when I was a little kid. I was invited to play with my friends who have American friends who visited their home. I was overjoyed afterward. I told my parents it was the best day of my life because I got to speak in English! They asked me what I said, I … Read more

He told me he’s an atheist. He said “Maria, there is no God. Just like, there is no Santa Claus or Tooth Fairy!” Since he’s my boss, I just have to respect his beliefs, even if I don’t agree! Nonetheless, that did not change my admiration for his leadership skills. In my seven years here … Read more

Should you be worried though? Nah. My personal philosophy is, if it’s for you, it’s for you. It’s all a matter of wanting the job so bad, you will be awesome! It’s also about finding that one job which will bring out the best in you…and will make you fulfill your life’s purpose… [Interviews, Interviews … Read more

I’ve had the most number of job interviews since I worked here in the US some 7 years ago.  It wasn’t because of my performance, promise! The districts I’ve worked with were either restructuring or undergoing budget cuts and I’d always be part of the lucky ones! Lol. Unfortunately, to move or transfer to a … Read more

I have the best job in the world! I am just thankful to God for the opportunity! See, I am an Inclusion Teacher. I work in the regular classes with special education students in the room. I help out kids just to make sure all accommodations and modifications are given, if needed. I also monitor … Read more

To those who have followed my journey here in the US, here’s the latest… But, let’s go back to the memory lane first… 2/18/13 It was last July, 2007 when I received a text message from the agency about the work opportunity here in the US. That week, my father and I drove to Manila, … Read more

All things work together for our good. I was feeling down yesterday, you see, I am able to work here in the US because of the H1b visa, and the end of its validity is nearing. Not being able to see the future is frustrating! So I allowed myself to be engulfed by it. Bad … Read more

Sometimes, just like today.. I am asking myself if this is all worth it? I mean, coming here in America only meant one thing: for our family to be together. Now, it’s been 5 years. Five years that we haven’t hugged our parents, brothers and sisters-in-law, relatives and friends. We’ve missed all important occasions, events … Read more

While reminiscing my teaching experiences, I’ve written this post.…. I heard or read somewhere that life will continue to give us lessons until we learn it.  Two weeks after graduating from college, I was already teaching college students.    I was so idealistic, perfectionist and wouldn’t tolerate students who were cheating, talking while I was … Read more

When I started my work as a Special Ed Teacher here in America, it just felt natural. I mean, I was elated to be here, right? So I was just like a sponge, wanting to learn, wanting to do more, wanting to be more. One of the duties that we have to do is to … Read more