Teacher Marj: Epitome of Passion

by Hebah Naim and Aljawhara Aljomiha

“Always keep the fire of passion burning,” - Teacher Marj

A passionate woman honed by experience to be a better version of herself and to embrace changes in the academe. A leader who knows how to look back on her humble beginnings.

As a Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) teacher who came from the pearl of orient seas, the Philippines, to the deserts of Saudi Arabia, she knows what it’s like to have thoughts such as “Why is it like this here?” It was, of course, a disorienting experience for her, and her first day in Saudi Arabia was a large part of that confusion. The administration saw that she has a creative hand that’s why she was entrusted to be part of decorating events.

Through the years, all her hardwork paid off. From being a teacher, she was promoted to become a level coordinator. After two years, she became the Head Coordinator. Her journey didn’t end there as she was then promoted as Academic Directress and in the latter part of last year, she was endorsed as the General Academic Supervisor.

As a General Academic Supervisor, one of her tasks is to be in charge of both the girls’ and boys’ sections. “My responsibility is to supervise what is happening in both sections and deal with conflicts with the other heads so we will all meet halfway.” She cannot focus solely on one aspect; she must monitor what is going all aspects of the school, which is a significant responsibility for her.

Reminiscing the demanding environment she was in before, at that time, she wanted to give up and go home. “There were many times when I go back to the Philippines, and I always miss the environment here (KSA). I always wanted to see the people, the students, and even the place. This place gave me a second home where my heart feels like I belong.” Her perseverance pushed her to teach passionately because her passion for teaching is ablaze.

“We don’t treat each other as colleagues, but we are one as family.” This is her favorite mantra because she got a sense of community when she moved to SAMIS. She felt what family means, and learned that she doesn’t have to be biologically related to have spiritual connections. She strongly advocates a “support system” amongst individuals. “Help each other. No matter what your position is, help one another because the goal is to make the work easier.” is to never allow fear to hold them back from taking countless opportunities to start anew and discover possibilities. She further encourages them to keep moving forward despite all the challenges they will have to go through until they achieve their aspirations. After all, they are SAMISians, and “once a SAMISian always a SAMISian.”

Teacher Marj is holistic rather than fragmented. She encourages all new teachers of SAMIS to approach this journey with an open mind. “They have to be open, even about work and personal.” She embraces that each culture has unique lessons to teach us that cannot be learned without time, attention, and intentional care.

Her long-term goals include making this experience last for years. She is optimistic about the future, believing that the school will be larger, with more sections, students, teachers, and better facilities.

Determination, clarity in thoughts and beliefs, ideas and objectives different from masses of people, she is Ms. Marjery Madula-Orallo, a true ironwoman, the epitome of passion.

by Albandari Almutairi and Mariam Ashraf