Dream for Others to Dream

RESPONSE SPEECH
28th Oath Taking Ceremonies of Professional Teachers
Cagayan de Oro, Liceo de Cagayan University
January 17, 2015
(written during the late distressing hours of January 16th)

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Greetings to the Professional Regulatory Board for Professional Teachers chaired by Hon. Rosita L. Navarro; to all of the proud administrators from different colleges and universities; to all of the fulfilled parents; and to my fellow new agents of change, the teachers, good morning.

People vary from their dreams and desires. I do believe that not all of the passers here have dreamed of teaching inside the four corners of the classroom within some dreading hours of dealing with the different kinds of learners. Some might admit that this is not their first choice at all. Being an engineer, doctor, nurse, businessman, pilot or architect sound more enticing and classy than to be called as a teacher. Probably others were even “forced” (just like in my case) to take this course either to keep the family’s bloodline legacy or they just see that this is where you perfectly fit in.

And this is an undeniable fact that the society sees teachers always on the mediocre level, second best, belongs to the average, overworked, underpaid, mentally battered, emotionally drained. But then, here we are, in this glorious ceremony of taking our oath, with the air of pride as we receive the title “Professional Teachers”.

What’s with the teaching? What’s the pleasure of being part of the educational wheel? Why are we here? I don’t want you to have the burden, of course, of hearing again the theories of Piaget, Dewey, Bandura, Gardner, Locke, or Vygotsky. No, I guess I don’t need to remind you of those nerve-breaking principles to explain the teaching-learning process, nor to recite the Code of Ethics of Professional Teachers. I’d save you from that trouble. I know that you’ve already imprinted that in your hearts for four years of pre-service.

Education is reflecting the learner’s dreams from the teacher’s passion. The challenge for us here is not just to accomplish the class objectives for the day nor to apply the different principles for the set of lessons. But the real challenge is to let these children make their own dreams. That each learning we deliver to them will be their thousand small pieces of jigsaw puzzle to be put together to create a beautiful image of the future. And I must say that the most rewarding thing for a teacher is to see their children discover and unfold their wildest dreams before their eyes.

My fellow heroes-in-the-making, yes, super heroes with super powers, we are now on the threshold of seeing ourselves unraveling our existence. We are here for a purpose and God is so great that we are chosen in this very special mission of molding the minds and touching the hearts of the humanity.

Allow me to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the following who have been my reason to never give up on following my dreams: to the Greatest Source of life, knowledge and wisdom, our Almighty God, who never fail to fulfill His promise; to my supporting and ever-loving family, who always believed in what I can do. I’m an imperfect creature filled with perfect love; to my colleagues, former classmates, and friends, for dreaming with me and sharing with me the moments of hardships and success; to my SMCC family, Saint Michael College of Caraga, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, who have enriched our minds and hearts and helped us to achieve our endeavor through its mentors and administrators; and to our students and soon-to-be learners, thank you for flaming the fire within us to be good educators and surrogate parents.

I didn’t dream of becoming a teacher but it has always been my desire to change the world for the better, to make a difference. And God has fulfilled it in the character of a teacher. This is how He wants me to help the society. This is how He wants us to help the world.

We were once dreamers, and now, as Professional Teachers, let us make new dreamers out of this sprouting generation and let us ignite that young fire reflected in their eyes and see the beauty that each one of them possesses. Thank you and let us continue to dream on.

- ICEE TIBAY GALINATO

Super heroes in the making....