Self - Monitoring

MY REFLECTION SY 2013 - 2014 To begin with, I could say that I am more productive now compared back then when I was assigned at the School Canteen and be as one of the Canteen Teachers. The school year 2013-2014 brought me lots of challenges as a full time teacher and also with regards to the new task that I was assigned to. However, I always try to be more optimistic and see the good in every situation for I know that whatever challenges come my way, there’s always a reason behind it. And those reasons will not just give me some lessons in life but also help me see a better version of myself. One of the things I’ve learned is that, it makes one a better person to have had hardships and to have overcome it and not to blame anybody else for your mistakes. It’s how we handle adversity in life, not how it affects us. I guess the main thing that we must do is to keep on trying and never quit. Not because we want to prove something to anybody, but because we want to prove it to ourselves, that even if life throws bricks on you, you still manage to stand up and fight your hardest battle. I maybe too deep to others and probably some may not understand the things that I’ve gone through for they have never been in the same position as mine. But one thing is for sure, being a teacher is not that easy especially when you’re given other task aside from teaching. So what makes me come up with these thoughts? It started by the time when the summer vacation has ended. In accordance with the school calendar, where in it is indicated that the teachers must have to report in school during the last two weeks of the month. Everyone must be present and need to perform their tasks in what we called Brigada Eskwela for School year 2013-2014. This is in line with the preparation for opening of the classes on June. Our Head Teacher, Mr. Rolando B. Talon Jr. took this opportunity for us to have our first departmental meeting for this school year. The agenda evolved on some issues encountered by each component last school year and we came up with the list of those possible ways to resolve the conflicts and do a lot better this year. He also distributed the teaching loads of each one of us and the extra task or the ancillary that we need to accomplish from the beginning until the end of the school year.

During that meeting, I was assigned to take in-charge of the Feeding Program, since Mrs. Guanzon already refused the task. Honestly speaking, I was a bit hesitant at first thinking that I am the only teacher assigned for this task and no one is there to assist me unlike the previous year where in Mrs. Guanzon had her partner in accomplishing the program. However, what else can I do?! Considering that I have no choice but to accept this very challenging duty that was given to me. I knew from the very beginning that it will be a very demanding role for me and will probably consume most of my time, from planning of the menus, purchasing, preparing, cooking, serving and bussing out, and dishwashing. Not to mention the things that I have to undergo in soliciting donations and the difficulties of asking budget or funds from the Canteen to be able to sustain this Feeding Program on a daily basis.

Good thing was, most of my colleagues were cooperative enough and extended their helping hands to help me get through it. And so I managed to surpass handling this Feeding Program even without the support of those people whom I expected to back me up financially. The first four months wasn’t that easy for me because after my classes I have to go to Feeding center/laboratory to perform my ancillary task and make sure I have all the things properly prepared and done from marketing to cooking, serving to dishwashing. Then back again to planning for tomorrow’s menu, asking myself where in places I could go to get the money needed in buying the ingredients for the menu. After that, I have to go back again to the faculty room for recording of grades, and preparing for tomorrow’s lesson. It’s been a routine that I sometimes couldn’t handle but managed to get used to. Enough with the drama brought by this ancillary, it’s time to move on and focus in the most important part of this profession, which is teaching. Like I’ve said, I feel like a real teacher this time because of my 3 teaching loads. I was back in handling Home Economics with Baking as the subject area. Of course I was more excited since baking is my first love. I really felt so glad, in spite of everything that I went through during the 1st and 2nd quarter, because on the 3rd and 4th quarter I was given a chance to handle the top three sections from 3rd year level which are the Genesis, Exodus and Leviticus. All I can say is that it’s very overwhelming since it’s my first time to handle a class wherein everybody listens attentively and participates actively. Everyone shares their thoughts and even keeps asking questions intelligently and eagerly waiting for the teachers’ response. I was so inspired to teach because for the first time in my teaching career I’ve encountered a real teacher-students interaction when it comes to recitations and answering test questions. Of course I have to change my methods and strategies in teaching to match their levels since most of them are fast learners and achievers. It’s fun especially during our laboratory, wherein all of their faces showed enthusiasm in Baking. In this school year, I experienced to contribute and have a big part during the Nutrition Month Celebration held last July 2013. I was the Chairman Committee in the Regional Cookery contest held in school as part of the said celebration together with Mrs. Guanzon as Co-Chairman. I also had participated in Regional Technolympics – Festival of Talents 2013-2014 held in Dasmarinas, City. I acted as mentor/coach in a hair style and facial make up competition, unfortunately we were not able to bring home the bacon since we need to practice more and have to be provided with all the materials needed for the said contest. Hope next time we will able to make it better.