... on Dreams and Goose Bumps

     I am a Teacher.

     Do I deserve being called such?

     I had wanted to be one when I was in elementary. It was because I had a very loving and dedicated teacher who served as an inspiration. 

    When I was in high school, I had experienced the joys of being a member of the staff of our school paper. I started as a community news writer and later became the editor-in-chief. One of the highlights of my high school life was when I was recognized as one of the Most Promising Feature Story Writers by the Philippine Information Agency. And I started dreaming of becoming a real journalist.

     My parents couldn't afford to send me to a tertiary school offering a course on journalism,  so I enrolled in a state university near our place, which only offers teaching courses. And I became a Teacher.

     Do I deserve being called one?

   This question pops every time I read or hear the real meaning of being a Teacher. It always gives me goose bumps, realizing I have never been worthy of the name.

    Yes, I have tried my very best to be a good one. I have tried learning to love this profession that has become my "bread and butter," as our Supervisor calls it, for seven years now. Yes, I have enjoyed reaping fruits of my labor and have cried during graduations; but I still feel empty deep inside.

     Not that I'm complaining. I have always been thankful to God for this gift of becoming a mentor, of being a part of this wonderful ministry. Yet, there are times that I long for something; for that dream that I once had - a dream that is still trying to awaken this writer in me.