Take A Bow, Dear Teachers

By Imelda Caravaca Ferrer
Principal, Hen Pio del Pilar Elementary School

I’ve been to eight different schools (St. Gabriel Academy,Naga Central School, Camarines Sur National High School, Bicol University, University of Makati, Philippine Normal University, University of the Philippines, De La Salle University) in the course of my life. The ravages of time are showing, and I can’t for the life of me remember their full names but these teachers have had an impact on my life in more ways than one:

My aunt, Socorro Valisto Curioso, a teacher then, taught me my ABCs.

My formative and high school teachers saw to it that my learning flourished.

Fast forward to college in Bicol University, Ms Leonor Satuito, bless her soul, interviewed me and said, “You’ll be famous (in the college), you'll see." I did become the literary editor of the college paper and eventually the managing editor of the university paper. I also became a thespian. There was also Ms. Odilia C. Espinas, another English teacher of mine. She wove spells in her class discussing literature with a capital L. She opened the doors of her home to us saying, “We don’t have much but we have a lot of books.” Then there was my very smart Sociology professor Leticia Aballa Mata. She had a full-voiced laugh and a sense of humor that sparkled with wit. And then there was Mrs. Moll, a very vibrant, well-dressed Psychology teacher. She was not just a mentor, she talked to me extensively. When I was 20, I remember just being beautiful and depressed.:-)

My most memorable teacher at PNU is Dr. Ceciliano-Jose Cruz. He had us in thrall as he taught us campus journalism. I've always loved journalism and he cemented my love for it.

Dr. Dina Ocampo was my thesis adviser at UP where I earned a degree in M.A. Reading. She was there when the biggest problem of my life took place. Not only is she intelligent and accomplished as UP professors come, she is also a beautiful person inside and out. My other UP teachers who are memorable as well for the knowledge they imparted are Dr. Nemah Hermosa, Dr. Lina Diaz de Rivera and Dr. Natividad Santos.

My English Proficiency teacher at DLSU is Alain Padilla. He had a lot of stories and regaled us with his wit and expertise.

Conchitina Cruz (Palanca winner, UP Prof on CW), my Filipinas Heritage Library teacher on Creative Writing, possesses the gift to nurture people like me who are enamored with writing. She has the knack for being able to encourage our to pursue writing studies. She is patient and has kind words to say to her mentees, not to mention pretty. You could certainly say, like teacher, like student.:-)

Last but not the least on my list is my mother, Virginia Valisto Caravaca, whose love for books infected me to become a bookworm myself. Her faith in me an her love propelled me to become who I am now. She was also a teacher.

My teachers shared the gifts of learning, love, laughter, friendship, passion, dedication and excellence. It is partly because of them that I am what I am now --- a teacher, a textbook writer, a speaker on journalism and English, a principal and a productive citizen of this country and the world. If I am a fourth as good at what I do, it is because I learned from the best.

My dear teachers, take a bow.