Professional / (read: "Slash") Licensed Teacher

November 17 -- It was a totally unexpected text message. It read: "Miggy, Congrats! pasado ka rin!" It was from Gon, my classmate who also took the Licensure Examinations for Teachers. I couldnt believe what i read. I remember myself literally holding back my screams of pure excitement and relief while i read the message to everyone. Fortunately, almost all my co teachers were there, who were equally anxious in awaiting the results. Very amusingly, when my co teachers heard about it, we all dashed to the computer to check it out. Together with me, was Sir Emil. He too, took the exam last September 28, and my, if there was an anxiety meter, his would go way beyond the acceptable limit! Then, lo and behold, his name, together with mine appeared gloriously on the LET Passers list.

Then, we were all able to sigh with relief.

Its funny, now that I have crossed that challenge in every teacher's life, that at first glance, my name is merely a part of the thousand other names written on a black and white broadsheet, and merely a link among the many links on a webpage. Come to think of it, those names are, after all, just names once you are not a part of the action.

And it is equally funny when i think that at this very moment in my life, half of my vocation has been actually fulfilled. i AM a teacher. and this is already for REAL.

But on second thought, two weeks after that text message, no prizes were awarded, no special treatment was given, no extra talents were added. That teacher, who reviewed for the test, took it, and passed it, is that same teacher all throughout. That list will remain a list if i myself, dont take it to the next level. No, it doesnt mean that i should be fighting for the raise in my salary, but that i should take teaching as seriously as i should do breathing.

After all, teaching is not measured in the hours you spend blah blah-ing in the classroom, but in the values you exemplify and form in the young minds who need it.