Taking a Break in the Academic Lane

I hold my compassion and showed not much pity, as a teacher – it came to me to always practice impartiality knowing that students are quick to sense it. Deep inside, I know very much the pain of getting sick in the middle of the school year and the courage needed to overcome oneself to return to school either to comply in school or just to stand in front to deliver lesson in class.

“Are you taking medicine?” I asked again.“Yes sir, but I only took only few, we cannot afford the other medicine. My father is just a miner and I still have three younger siblings.” Julisa broke into tears and quiet sob.

I was surprised my co-teachers didn’t look from their laptops. We’ve been conversing very softly but I almost sure I can hear the crying and cracking of voice of this miner’s daughter asking for considerationbut more of a help.

“Your father is a miner you said? Haven’t they found golds yet?” I asked this time; I didn’t hide my worry of her health and pity to their family. I pictured my overworked father who died in a construction site.

“They had once sir, way back high school but used it to my ailing brother, up to this time, they only grind enough to supply the daily needs.” She replied. Why do poor things happen to poor people, I told myself.

It took me a while to make sense of what is happening. In ordinary occasion I will give consideration, will line up the task for the student to comply then make bargain with the passing grade of which I can only give to delinquent students. But this with the pressures of their job on a daily basis, is greatly aided by rest and relaxation.

Being a teacher requires great commitment, enthusiasm, and effort. It is indeed a fact that educators play a pivotal role in shaping the minds of future generations, and their tireless efforts often go unnoticed which I believe now is imperative to highlight the need for rest and relaxation (R & R) for teachers. R & R is something I and others are looking forward to aside from the upcoming semesters along with its daily challenges and duties. Even if the college is joined by wellness programs like CAHLACASAN, I strongly believe it would be excellent to unwind and relax at one’s own space and pace, noting few reasons down.

Lastly, when teachers are constantly in “go” mode, the pressures of work can hinder effective communication and collaboration. Exhaustion and stress can lead to miscommunication, misunderstandings, and strained relationships among colleagues. However, by prioritizing rest and relaxation, teachers can create an environment conducive to open and effective communication. Relaxation activities, such as team retreats or team buildings, provide opportunities for teachers to connect on a personal level, fostering trust and camaraderie. This, as a result, enhances collaboration and promotes a positive team dynamic.

In this demanding world of time, I felt something broke within me while looking at the girl in front of me. She is a miner’s daughter!

Just a month ago, I accidentally burned my feet from hot water. I covered the scalding with cooling paste and still continue attending my classes. Barely getting healed, I went to the capitol to receive an award from the province and then a week after I went again to Manila to receive the Nick Joaquin Literary Prize and only now it dawned to me that story that won is “Blood and Gold in Benguet”. There is a sense of clarity and soberness that came to me similar when I write stories with parallelism in life.

“Okay Julisa, what is more important right now is your health. These missing activities may do and you could still have a passing grade. What I needed you to do now is to visit the clinic and have a follow up checkup, I think you need more rest.” I said in a hopeful tone understanding the parallel situations we are in.

Then, I modestly opened my drawer and drew from there an amount from the cash price I received from my writing and fold it with the medical certificate.

“I will not give you grade if you don’t do what I said.” I look at her and gave her a nod.

When Julisa left the room, I stood after her but went to the comfort room. There I began to let the emotions flow. Oftentimes, people ask a pointless question- Why do writers write fiction stories?

Parallelism allows us to see the truth that run in stories and our lives, these things writers see but many even teachers and readers may not truly understand. What consoles me then was that afternoon, the day before vacation it came to me what it really means to win not just in writing but in the real life.

Revin Xavier L. Ignacio

education, where teachers give their all for the betterment of their students, rest and relaxation activities will be a great return for them. That is why personally I am in high hopes for our college, College of Arts & Humanities - especially having no building of our own yet: having separate offices for the three departments which makes it a challenge to get to know all the faculty of the college. Hoping that one day the administration will be able to incorporate rest and relaxation into our professional lives so we can enhance collaboration, communication, and creativity among teachers, whilst fostering resilience and promoting work-life balance at the same time. So, let us embrace the power of rest and relaxation, not only for ourselves but for the betterment of our college and the students we serve.

Slideshows and Shadows

By Lory Rose Supsupin

In the realm of classrooms, a story unfolds, A tale of a teacher, with secrets untold. Smiling faces surround, eager minds to teach, Yet beneath the surface, darkness screech.

Invisible battles fought, a struggle within, A heavy veil, behind the slideshow, a devious twin. Each day, a challenge, a threat to climb, To feel happiness guilt’s like a crime.

The world sees a teacher, with laughter and cheer, But the heart hides a burden, pain ever near. How can one inspire, guide and glow, When darkness engulfs, and overflow?

The classroom becomes a sanctuary of sorts, A place to escape, where sorrow distorts. Behind the lessons and laughter they bestow, Lies a teacher’s silent battle, few come to know.

They paint smiles, wear masks each day, To shield their pain, their soul’s decay. But beneath that facade, there’s a longing inside, For understanding, support, a safe place to confide.

They rise with resilience, determination in stride, To touch lives, make a difference far and wide. For a midst the darkness, they possess a gift, Hope to kindle a spark, uplift spirits, and lift.

So let us not forget, the teachers who bear, The weight of depression, their struggles unfair. Offer them compassion, lend an empathetic ear, For in their journey, there’s infinite fear.

To the happy teacher with depression’s grasp, Know that you are seen, your strength we clasp. May love and hope light up your way, And guide you through dark and gray.