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OWN TIME: A STORY OF FRUSTRATION AND DETERMINATION

JUNEL M. MADARANG

· Volume II Issue III

"One secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes."-Benjamin Disraeli

No one can describe the happiness after we got our professional licenses after years of studying on our own courses. Graduation may be a much awaited time for every college student but passing the board exam is an elation. Yes! An elation because finally, it’s ours.

I have a goal of finishing my doctorate degree at the age of 26. I made a decision to not apply for public school teaching unless I’m finished with my masters’ degree in mathematics education. I always have the mindset that everything will go smoothly because our papers will represent ourselves. I just don’t know when, where and the way.

I am in my second year of teaching within the public school. Shocking that I see teachers teaching over 15 years who are still on low ranks. But on the opposite side, I see young ones who have sought better positions. The explanation behind is often on our mind. It’d be a gossip, a reality or an honest act.

I am unsure about how far am I able to accompany my journey in the DepEd family. I always love teaching and teaching does within the same way because of all the students who have shown this sense. The appreciation and love of the learners can never be monetized by any. It is the best feeling ever.

Am I right with my decision of taking too long before applying and securing a foothold in the DepEd organization? It is not just the paper which will talk but also time! Time runs fast. It can never be chased even a second late.

Right now, I’m 25 years old, and in a year, a doctorate degree holder. Even kiddingly said, I was hurt differently when one of my colleagues with the higher position said, “Ang tagal mo kasing nag-apply, patapos kana doctorate mo pero teacher II ka palang”. I laughed but I’m pained. These words questioned my decisions in the past. Am I really right with what I had decided? How long will I still walk to fits all the wants for promotion and someday hear the words, “Congratulations! Ang bata mo pa pero nakalayo kana, ang sipag mo kasi e.”?

Life has really plenty of surprises, I am uncomfortable, frustrated and really been emotionally disturb for how many months allowing me to put this story in writing, but right now, I am choosing to still hold for my dream. I cannot put back the time but I still have time. Time to maximize the things that I can do, time to better myself for what might come on the way, and time to inspire people especially my students and possibly my other colleagues.

This time might not be the best to describe and explain my position, but preparing to be the best by maximizing the time will prepare me to success. That’s when opportunity knocks, and my papers will alone talk and say, “I am ready” then ka-booooom…. An even BIGGER AND BETTER PRESENT.