I am confused and full of queries on this
specific day, its 2nd in November, year
2000. It begins on why this morning
seems so bright, and dark at the same
time. Giving me the idea that maybe the
world is weighing which they will give me,
if it is enlightenment or confusion about
what is in my mind.
It is because I've met my English teacher
during our class. She is a great, funny,
and approachable teacher. I can say that
I like her because I comprehend our
lessons easily as she delivers it
effectively. I also noticed that she cares
about us as her students and she values
learning so much. During our class, she
mentioned her experiences and the
contributors behind her success. She got
my attention when she acknowledged
one person related to me, which is Mr.
Patricio Dela Cruz, my grandfather, and
my mom's father. I stiffened because she
told a sad but meaningful story,
introducing my grandfather. However,
time goes fast and 3:30 o'clock in the
afternoon arrives, time to leave school
and go home.
Kicking the rocks while walking home,
sighing repeatedly as I became filled with
thoughts and curiosity. I can't wait to go
home and to ask my mom about my
grandfather. Finally, I'm home, hoping
that mom is already at home also; luckily
she's there, organizing her stuff like
students' written outputs, books, and
more. Yes, my mother is a teacher also,
just like her father. I stared at her until she
finished what she's doing, observing all
her acts and how dedicated she is in her
profession as it is her vocation and
mission. Then, she finally felt and noticed
my presence.
"Oh! Son, how long are you standing
there and watching me?” my mom
uttered.
"I just arrived a few minutes ago. Are you
tired, mom?" I replied.
"Yes, I'm a bit tired but I am enjoying what
I'm doing every day. Why? Is there
something bothering you? Your face is...
Uhmmm... I don't know if you're curious
about something or just problematic.
"She added.
"Mom, I'm just curious about grandpa. My
teacher mentioned his name during our
class. She said that grandpa has an
impact on which she is right now. She
said that she is happy and sad at the
same time whenever she reminisce their
encounter". I said.
"Oh I see! I think I know why, maybe she
is one of the people who see good things
about grandpa that others don't see and
believe about. Regarding that, I'll tell you
the story". Then, my mother tells the
story.
Mr. Patricio Dela Cruz is a 58 year-old
English teacher of high school students.
He has good credentials, he has a high
level of fluency in English, good
communication skills, and great in
reading and writing. However, many
people can't recognize his greatness in
this field, because they think of his age.
Mr. Patricio often hears harsh words from
some of his students inside and outside
the school, and even from other people
who know his profession but don't know
how he made it and what he's gone
through.
"You are old"
"You can't teach well because your voice
is already shaky"
"You won't understand our generation"
"Maybe you are so traditional and boring"
"How could Mr. Patricio teaches us at his
age?"
"You should retire, Sir because you are
already old. You should rest in your
house instead of teaching us."
All of these statements are what they've
thrown to Mr. Patricio but he doesn't care.
He understands where people came
from, though they should understand him
too.
Little they know, Mr. Patricio experienced
struggles before he became a licensed
professional teacher. He was not
privileged when he was teenager, he is
14yrs. old, a 2nd year high school
student, when he stopped going to
school because of financial incapability
and family problems. Many of his
teachers felt sad because they saw
potential in Mr. Patricio. After this, Mr.
Patricio sought a job and became a
construction worker and fisherman at the
age of 18. Due to his willingness and
determination to succeed someday in his
chosen profession, he chose to study
again at the age of 28. He became a
working student to finance his needs
while studying. It wasn't easy for him, he
balanced his time accurately. He also
faced judgments from his classmates
that are not in his age. Eventually, he
finished high school years with honor and
awards as fruit of his hardworks and
perseverance.
Then, he stopped again from studying
because he thinks that he needs to work
more to save and prepare for his
expenses in college. Consequently, he
entered college in Polytechnic University
of the Philippines, where he strived in his
program which is Bachelor of Secondary
Education Major in English. Having good
communication skills and passion in
reading and writing made him the best in
their batch. His success continued which
made him the top 1 in board examination
even though he's already 40 at that time.
My mother stopped in narrating my
grandfather’s story because she received
a phone call. I was enlightened after I
heard the meaningful story of my
grandfather and I couldn't help but to be
proud of him. There's one thing I remain
curious about and that is, how my
grandfather became related to my
teacher. So, the next day, I went to
school to study and to ask my teacher
about the thing she mentioned yesterday.
As soon as I arrived at school, my goal
was to find my teacher, and there I saw
her inside our classroom, preparing the
visual aids for our class. I greeted her and
we had some talks, then maybe she is
that so great because she noticed that I
have something in my mind.
"Do you want to ask something?" my
teacher said.
"I am curious about what you've
mentioned yesterday. To be honest, I am
related to Mr. Patricio Dela Cruz, and I
would like to know how he contributed to
your success." I replied.
"Oh! I'm glad to know that you're related
to him. Actually, I would like you to know
how thankful I am to Mr. Patricio because
he believed in my capability and honed
my skills that made all people see my
potential. It just happened that Mr.
Patricio didn't appear on our graduation
day and my family and I migrated after
my high school graduation so I didn't
have the chance to see and thank him.
He became my teacher and father at
school. He used to instruct me whenever
I'm having a hard time comprehending
the lessons, and gave me important
advice in life whenever I'm facing
problems. For other people, Mr. Patricio
is old and incapable but he's actually one
of the best. He even told me the story
behind his success in his age that made
me understand him more and realized
how worth-knowing he is.
He doesn't care what people will say, he
doesn't care about those people who
don't know him, but he always strives to
be worth-knowing that's why everybody
recognizes him even though he's now in
heaven.” my teacher narrated.
The bell rang, a sign that our class will be
starting. I went to my seat and my teacher
positioned herself in the front wearing her
genuine smile on us. At that point, I
became filled with realizations that I
should not worry about people not
knowing me. Indeed! It’s November 3,
2000 when I decided to strive to be worthknowing.