Rosemarie D. Embile
AUGUST 2000 marked the beginning of a remarkable journey for me — the journey of teaching. Over the past two decades, I’ve come to see my calling as one of the greatest gifts in my life. Teaching isn’t just a profession; it’s a vocation that has enriched me in ways I could have never imagined. As an educator, I am grateful for the valuable lessons, friendships, and experiences that have enriched my life.
My teaching journey has been a testament to triumphs and challenges that are two sides of the coin. While setbacks and frustrations seem overwhelming, they are opportunities that help me learn and grow as a person. As I continue this journey, I uncover the greatest gift — the profound privilege of shaping the future generation.
Here are some of my reflections expressing my gratitude for the gifts of teaching:
Expanding Horizons. Throughout my teaching journey, I’ve had the opportunity to work in three different schools, each providing unique experiences and valuable lessons. However, it was my experience teaching abroad that truly transformed me, enriching my understanding of education in various ways. This experience broadened my knowledge of diverse cultures. Interacting with students from different backgrounds expanded my worldview and perspectives. The challenge of adapting to a new educational system in a foreign country has made me a more versatile educator. In these diverse environments, I’ve gained new perspectives and honed my craft, broadening the horizons of my educational landscape.
Network of Support. Teaching is a collaborative effort that thrives on the support of fellow educators. When I was new to teaching, I had friends who were my co-workers and eventually became my pillars of strength, offering guidance and encouragement during challenging times. Through their shared experiences and strategies, I have collectively grown and become a better educator. The friendships developed among teachers have created a beautiful camaraderie in the teaching community.
Parental Partnership. Parents’ unwavering support is a cornerstone and the foundation of practical education. Their trust in entrusting their children to our care is a responsibility I hold dear. Collaborating between educators and parents is not just beneficial; it’s essential. It enhances the educational journey, ensuring students receive the best possible guidance and nurturing at school and home.
Family: A Foundation of Strength. A strong family support network is crucial to the success of every teacher. Fortunately, my husband always offers his unwavering support whenever I need it. He lifts my spirits whenever I need a little boost by bringing me a coffee. His considerate gesture of helping me with my books and other belongings has made my life much easier. This simple act of kindness from him has been a great source of comfort for me.
Both of my siblings are also teachers like myself, and they have always been a source of encouragement and motivation for me to pursue my dreams. Their unwavering faith has given me a solid foundation of strength, helping me overcome teaching challenges with a resilient spirit.
The Joy of Young Minds. As a teacher, I’ve realized that being in the company of students is like a captivating journey. Each interaction is an opportunity to unwrap a package filled with boundless inspiration. The classroom is not just a place of instruction but a realm where students become our unwitting mentors, giving life lessons that are a significant source of wisdom.
In the classroom, we can witness remarkable growth and transformation. Seeing a student who has struggled to rise to the challenge is genuinely inspiring. Their unwavering resilience reminds us that setbacks are only temporary and can serve as valuable opportunities for personal development.
Observing their interactions, I have witnessed leadership, compassion, and teamwork emerge naturally. They have learned about the complexities of human relationships with raw sincerity, from conflicts to collaborations, which can be humbling and heartwarming.
Interacting with young minds is not just a job but a chance to explore a world of wonder where every day brings new insights, unexpected lessons, and boundless inspiration. They are the heartbeats that give life to education, and I am deeply humbled and appreciative for the privilege of learning from them too.
Reflecting upon the last twenty-three years, I am profoundly grateful for the many gifts teaching has given me. The challenges, friendships, experiences, and unwavering support have shaped me into the educator I am today. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. Above all, I am deeply thankful to the divine source of blessings and life, our God Almighty, for guiding me along this path of purpose and fulfillment. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all Teachers!
