July 18, I marked my six years of working as a public school teacher at Buhawen Elementary School, a far-flung school.
The majority of my students—97% of them—come from the Aeta community, an Indigenous people group that lives in the mountain part of San Marcelino, province of Zambales.
When I walked into this class on my first day of teaching at Buhawen Elementary School, I had no idea what to expect. I was going through a culture shock in the classroom and had no idea what to anticipate. On the first day of class, I was excited to learn about the cultures and customs we would be studying as well as the activities we would be participating in. This class was very special to me because it was the beginning of my teaching career.
My goal is to become an extraordinarily inspiring educator who regularly challenges, supports, and uplifts my students while being there for them. Providing my students with an experience that will transform their lives is my aim. My objective is to be acknowledged for my exceptional pedagogical skills and capacity to inspire my students to take an active role in their education.
I had a new perspective on how to address the needs of Indigenous communities after teaching there for about six years. There was a lot more we could be doing to support the well-being of Indigenous peoples. For me, the biggest challenge is learning to love the culture and get to know these people better. Though my beliefs, deeds, and behaviors are not the same, I am one of them by ethnicity.
Over the years, these people have faced a great deal of discrimination. They were not given any status or importance, nor were they given the benefits to which they were entitled. Because they were treated unfairly, they do not have the life they may be longing for—a life that anybody can wish for. They feel as though they are not a part of society because they have found it to be too hard to attain and out of reach.
I have compassion for these people at my core. However, because I have never experienced what it is like to be one of them, I have never been able to comprehend the true significance and worth of their life. It doesn't matter who has helped them in any way. Instead, it's all about treating them with the respect, dignity, and consideration we would like to receive. Instead, what matters is the bravery and willingness to do good deeds and assist the Aeta Pupils and others in lowering their social standing so they can participate equally in society.
It all comes down to creating opportunities and programs that help members of the Aeta pupils reach their full potential and become productive, fully alive, life-sharing members of society. It is about bridging the gap that exists between local culture and Indigenous Peoples, enabling the former to have economic, mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual stability so they can relate to society and feel confident. Human development is possible when various individuals and organizations work closely together, participate, and engage. Living within their means and getting involved are the key factors.
I will be able to comprehend the reasons behind my need to fit in and be a part of a culture better if I do this. What matters is how I can contribute to achieving the objectives of human development, not who or what we are. I have a challenge in starting over and reevaluating my beliefs and attitudes toward these people.
These are the things that serve as a reminder to me whenever I feel like I am stuck and that my passion and fire are fading. I may need to be reminded that life is full of peaks and valleys and that valleys are frequently difficult places to be. We want to be at the top all the time, where the view is breathtaking, and the air is pure. But development takes place in the valley below.
Acknowledge the fact that challenges are the source of your greatest wisdom and strength. Sometimes, it comes down to cultivating an awareness of that. A growth mindset will help you overcome your obstacles, but it won't make them go away right away. You will become a better teacher after that.