Teaching at Sto. Nino Elementary School in Marikina has been one of the most humbling and enriching experiences that I have ever had. The Teach for the Philippines (TFP) fellows are real life super heroes who get up every day with a smile on their faces, ready to change young lives. I worked along side a TFP fellow named Tricia who taught first grade. Her day starts at 5am with her first battle; an hour commute of Metro Manila traffic. This is a sight to see in of itself as students like hers pack 6 to a tricycle just to split the cost of getting to school.
That’s the thing about the Philippines, despite it’s problem of third world poverty and issues of violence, that students are exposed to on the streets, teachers and students come to school everyday motivated and invested in all subjects. They don’t give up. There were no textbooks, resources, tech or air-conditioning and yet students are LEARNING. I came to the program thinking that I would be teaching but instead I was forced to reflect on my own privilege, unpack it, and humbly learn side by side with my first graders.
Thank you TFP for the opportunity to learn along side students who have perseverance to no bounds, hunger for knowledge, and love for their families and country. I am eternally grateful.