Nice Nhet

Once in a library orientation at Marikina Polytechnic College, Dr. Ilagan, a professor told me, Nhet why not teach? You have the potential! Do not waste your time in the four walls of the library, you will only get rotten and will later stagnate. Then I humbly reply, “I do not like to teach Ma’am. I can’t picture myself teaching inside the classroom. I prefer my solitary and silent world inside my library.” Then she told me, “think about it, MPC needs potential people to teach like you.”

I really couldn’t believe that one of my idols was talking to me that way. I can’t imagine that she saw the teaching potential in me that I am not aware of, I was only doing a library orientation.

Then, I started to reflect. What do I really want? What kind of career path will I make? I fervently prayed and then I decided to enroll Continuing Professional Education (CPE) at Marikina Polytechnic College. I felt the satisfaction and enjoyment with what I am doing (preparing to be a teacher).

After finishing CPE, I started to get ready for the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET). Whew! I can’t believe that I have come long this far. I remember my Board for Librarian days. Toxic, information overloaded and nose bleed!

I told myself, if I will pass the LET, I will teach in part-time basis, I will practice this noble profession. Of course, I will always be the “Ma’am Smiley Librarian” (according to MPC students) serving the library.

I took the LET September 28, 2008. As the nature of any board exams, a tough, brain drain and nose bleed one. I remember calling almost all the saints including my late father especially in math subject (my waterloo). I must pass the LET or else I will vanish in shame. My family, circle of friends, at work, in school, local and  in abroad knows that I’ll be taking the exam. What an additional pressure! Huhuhu

November 17, 2008, Monday, an ordinary flag ceremony became hyper, heart-pounding, body-shaking moment for me. I felt I had hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) reading the text message of my LIS260 classmate, Jem. She told me I passed the LET!

I had mixed emotions. I want to shout, cry, and laugh. I want to embrace everybody. Another battle was conquered and I won the fight. I actually had my own world that time, a very bright, fulfilling and satisfying world. All day I was smiling and after work I bond with my inspiration, strength and guide, the Almighty Father.

This is what the Lord wants me to be. He wants me to show the “teaching potential” Dr. Ilagan once saw. He wants me to serve not only inside the library but in the classroom as well. He wants to use me to show how he move mountains and how he bless people.

I use to tell myself, IT IS YOUR DREAM THAT WILL SHAPE YOUR PRESENT ACTIONS. I dream, I work out on it and now it’s a reality! I am a teacher!

I owe this blessing to the Lord for always lighting my way towards this noble profession.

From the bottom of my heart, I am also thanking everybody for your prayers and support. God indeed send angels to give inspirational thoughts for my strength.

I will never forget this moment.

Thank you, thank you so much.