A Dream of Becoming a Social Studies Teacher
“To be a full-fledged social studies teacher is my pinnacle of fulfillment”. This has
been my mantra ever since I fell in love with the subject which I thought at first was boring.
Contrary to the infamous ‘first impression lasts’, I gradually developed fondness for this
subject as time went by. Never have I imagined that this subject would transform me and
make me the teacher I am today.
Back when I was still deciding on the path I would take, taking up education never
crossed my mind. Knowing all the loads and piles of report a teacher must accomplish, it
took me months to finally make a decision – a decision I have never regretted.
During that time, I was left with no choice but to pursue education despite all the
struggles I have witnessed among my teachers. Growing up a kid, I saw how tedious their
work is. Some of them were hardly making both ends meet. Being one of the most
underappreciated professions, I never expected them to put so much effort, shedding
blood, sweat and tears to make sure no one is left behind. Indeed, they embody
dedication, integrity, and love. Initially, embarking on this teaching journey was
challenging but these thoughts of a teacher are weapons that keep me going until I reach
the ultimate. Fortunately, I finished college and right there and then, I could already picture
myself stepping foot in a classroom filled with students so ecstatic to see me as I fervently
deliver the lesson.
At present, I realize that I am indeed destined to be wearing my uniform. My
extroverted personality compliments my well-modulated voice and commanding stance,
all of which befit a teacher. I take pride of being a teacher and I could not be more satisfied
than to serve the youth with all the strength and wisdom that I have.
Although I majored in English, my heart beats for social studies. Sad but true, most
of us think of social studies as a subject that causes boredom and makes students drool
while sleeping. I, for one was guilty of that. During high school, I was overwhelmed with
hefty history books containing numerous pieces of information that need to be
memorized. Historical events, names of people, places and dates bombarded me which
strayed me away from liking the subject.
When I was tasked to teach this subject, I wholeheartedly took the challenge. I
have been a social studies teacher for 10 years. Unexpectedly, I never thought I would
enjoy it and would have so much fun as years elapsed. This subject has changed my
disposition. I was a winning coach in a regional level social studies competition. I also
served as an Araling Panlipunan coordinator for 9 years. With all the experience up my
sleeves, I was invited to be a division level speaker twice. Recently, I was selected as a
voice talent in radio-based instruction in our division.
Despite all these accomplishments, my greatest achievement are my students. I
get to help them in making informed decisions about certain issues that affect them. Under
my tutelage, the subject has been an avenue paving the way for them to see what the
real world is. I am able to develop and mold them into the best versions of themselves.
Their growth coincides with my personal and professional development. As I
explore endless possibilities of how the subject can be taught, my horizon widens. I
learned to become socially aware and to be a well-rounded individual. More importantly,
my nationalism grew as the years of my teaching experience increase.
Nonetheless, I believe I still have a lot of things to learn and a room to grow which
the program could tap on. I would like to take on a more challenging path by teaching in
the tertiary level and this program could equip me in my future endeavor. Besides, getting
a degree in social studies has always been my dream and I do not want to put it on hold.
No one can stop a determined man.
The chance of getting in the program might be slim and uncertain. However, little
chance may still yield greater opportunities. Only God knows what is in store for me. Yes,
the road might be bumpy, but my determination is stronger than my fear.