Eto ang bayad sa sampung buwang kalbaryo

I've said nothing but gripes about my first ever teaching stint. Why not? I was utterly bored and miserable most of the time, exhausted and frustrated the rest of it. So it was a real wow moment to receive this from one of my students.

Ma'am Abi,
I want you to know how grateful I am that I met a genuine person like you. You inspire me deep in my heart. I saw you as a teacher inside the four corners of our dirty classroom, giving all we need just to learn. You give and share us knowledge and lessons not only just related in your subject, but also knowledge for us to be prepared in the real world. A mother who sacrifices time, a kind-hearted daughter, an intelligent independent woman. I want to say "Thank you" for all the moments that we spent together. I always appreciate all your advices and I will never forget all the things you told me, about academics, family, college & even those little things. Thank you, Ma'am, for inspiring me. I will always take this with me as I faces the true life. I love you, Ma'am Tan.
Always God bless you and your family.
-Jelly


To have touched a life of at least one person makes that entire tag-hirap period ALMOST worth it. My real reward is to see at least one of them reach his or her dream and be truly happy with life.

Thanks for this. You have a head start, Jelly. Don't let me down. :)