A NICE TRY

I'm sharing you the sample article which I submitted in one of my applications for a freelance writer position. I was asked to write an essay of any topic of my choice, having a minimum of 300 words and a maximum of 400 words.

Moreover, I was told that the publication where I applied will be releasing issues similar to a certain SHOPAHOLIC. I don't have any idea about that thing so what I did is just write anything I feel like writing. And I came up with a naughty idea of building a good image for a certain personality which I believe is obvious in the article. I just tried to present another side of that person. And I believe you would agree with me for everybody, everyone of us has the bad and the good sides of our personalities.

I hope you will appreciate it.

HELLO MIKE

I’m sick and tired of the shouting, of the demands, of everything! I’m torn between my obligations in our family and my duties in the office. I’m even losing my social life! I already don’t know what to do. I already don’t know how to please you. My bosses. Even myself!

At first I thought everything will work out as planned. I was excited when I heard the news that I’ll be starting to work at a blink upon application. I even prepared for that moment. I went to the spa. I went to the salon for my hair and make-up. I even called for the best couturier in town for my wardrobe. All I had in mind by that time was I am a star. A big, bright star!

But look at me now? Do I still look like my age? Look at my wrinkles. The last time that I stood in front of the mirror I only had three. But now…ah, never mind. I’m so stressed out. I’m physically, mentally, socially exhausted.

I’m not blaming anybody. Much more I don’t blame myself. (Why should I?) It’s just that I came up to a point where it seems I’m very helpless. As if I’m deserted.

Despite all the efforts I have exerted, as if nothing has changed. Despite the concern I am giving to the people around me, no one is pleased. No matter how I try to reach out to them, nobody appreciates it. They blame me for their misfortunes. They blame me for the adversities which are obviously out of my control. I’m not a superhero in a skimpy, red two-piece who, at times of trouble and danger, comes and saves the day.

But I swear. I’m doing my best to do my job. I’m doing everything to address all the issues concerning my workplace. I’m even sacrificing much of my time trying to find ways in minimizing, if not totally eradicating, those problems instead of having quality time with you and our children. Why can’t they see it? Why are they so unfair?

Oh, I’m sorry. I think I’m being iniquitous to you. I always talk about my work, I always complain about my work when I can’t even spend a moment for a cup of coffee with you.

But don’t worry. In a year and a half, everything will be fine again. I’ll be stepping out of Malacañang, I’ll be coming back home. With you. With our children. With our grandchildren. We’ll have quality time together again. The way we used to be.


Love lots,

Glory

A TEACHER'S GRIPE

Let’s admit it.

Teachers in the Philippines are overworked and dedicated yet abused and undercompensated. That is one of the myriads of reasons why we are abased by people who earn triple the remunerations we have. And that is also one of the reasons why we try to look for some other jobs to earn an extra income.

I speak for myself. I surf the net every now and then for possible sidelines. I apply for part time and/or freelance positions. But sad to say, up to this moment, I haven’t found one yet. Sometimes I am tempted to apply for a Customer Service Representative or a Call Center Agent position. Or as a call center trainer where the salary is much higher than what I am receiving now. Or even a teaching job abroad where English is taught as a second language. Jobs where the benefits and privileges are far motivating than what my current job has to offer. Where I can be assured of an economic upgrade in just a few span of time. (Is it what they call professional corruption? Well, pardon me for my ignorance.)

It’s very frustrating to know that a lot of professionals flock to jobs very far from their fields of specialization because there are no sufficient job positions for them. A lot of education degree holders, even those who finished their masters or doctorate studies, end up to the wrong job or, even worse, unemployment because there are no available positions to fit their educational attainment.

Imagine your teacher in elementary or your adviser in the school paper in high school or your critic teacher in college applying as a domestic helper or a factory worker or a utility staff abroad? Why do you think they have to do that? Is it because they are tired of teaching? Is it because they do not want to earn only pesos in the Philippines? Is it because they cannot see a bright future working in their own land? Or is it because they do not see any sign of support and appreciation from the government to their profession?

What satisfies a teacher aside from the recognition and respect from his students? What makes him love his work more aside from the fulfillment he feels upon seeing his students succeed from their chosen fields of study?

Let’s stop pretending, folks!

THE HARDEST TEST

Being a teacher at the Makati Science High School is not that easy. You have to face a lot of trials, a lot of pressures. You have to possess a bunch of exceptional qualities and traits to survive the test. You have to make sure that you really have readied yourself to the pros and cons of being in this prestigious institution.
I still remember when I was waiting for my school assignment after passing all the screenings, tests and interviews. The English supervisor, upon spotting me enter the DepEd Makati office, exclaimed that they have waited me for so long to report for Maksci is in urgent need of an English teacher. Still flattered by the good news, I immediately rushed to get my advice slip.
After getting my appointment, I was called by the other teacher applicants who were just outside the office, waiting for their deployment. They cautioned me of the possible consequences of entering that school. There was the warning about the students who question the credibility of a teacher. Or worse, the students can break the career of a teacher.
Adventurous and enthusiastic in nature, I was filled with the thought of if-others-can-why-can’t-I. I just smiled at them and imagined my self as one of the contestants in the now debunked television show Extra Challenge or a castaway in a Survivor episode.
Holding the appointment letter in one hand, I headed for the Makati Science High School building, entered the principal’s office, welcomed by the English Department head and some faculty members. I started the hardest test ever in my life. Not a written-then-checked-then-recorded-test but a test of SPEAKING MY MIND, TEACHING PEOPLE, TOUCHING LIVES!

I am a TEACHER

This is my second year of applying the knowledge, techniques and strategies that my professors in college taught me. I am enjoying it, no doubt. Despite the stress, the hardships, the pressures shouldered upon me everyday, I am liking my profession.

Actually, this is not my dream. This is very far from what I really wanted to become. I wanted to be an accountant. I wanted to be a lawyer. I wanted to be a DJ. I wanted to be a journalist. But life is really ironic. My parents wanted me to be a teacher. An obedient son I was, I could not resist, I could not complain. They were the ones to finance my schooling so I had to obey. I had to comply.

And the rest is history.

Now I am employed in one of the prototype schools, not only in the Philippines but also in the whole wide world. I learned to love my work, not because I bear the name of this institution but because I finally realized that I play a great role in building the future. I play an important role in shaping this world for GREAT MINDS BEGIN HERE. In this school. In me. For I am a teacher!

A BEGINNER BLOGGER

Finally, I'm already one of the millions who embrace cybernetics. I will no longer be left behind. But other than that, I only want other people to know more about a TEACHER. This blog is created to tell the whole world who a teacher really is.