Coolness...!!

As i was replying to an email, one of the Google ads placed on the page caught my attention—free Mayan astrology. I thought for a second or two whether I should click on it, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to resist it. And if don’t click on it, it will nag on me for a long time. So, I thought, “Why the hell not?”

This is what they had to say about me:

"Female authority is the keyword that best describes this day number of Mayan astrology. Basically the natives of this number are sensitive, emotional and artistic. This number is looked upon for its patience. The energy of this number can help you gain better opportunities at work and thus prove your talents and skills. Nine persons are masters in completing all kinds of incomplete tasks.

Seed is the fourth sign of Mayan astrology and signifies the South. Seed people are known as the performers. Fulfilling your sexual desires and being independent are the two things you crave for throughout your life. You set high standard goals for yourself and always make it a point to achieve it at any cost. Self-esteem is something which the Seed folks are very much concerned about. You are very much attached to your family and can go to any extreme in order to bring peace and happiness to your family. As individuals the Seed people are always successful in starting off new ventures, signing new contracts or entering into any new business deals. You love to work as social workers and public defenders and try to unite the whole community either through your hard work or by using the secret influences of somebody else. Courage and gratefulness are their characteristic traits which make these people simply outstanding.

Regarding a nurturing attitude, these people are similar to Red Dragon people to some extent. You always want to sow the seeds of enlightenment, humanitarian ideas and benevolence so that everyone can reap a reach harvest eventually. From the projects you undertake, others would derive sustenance and nourishment. You are endowed with great teaching abilities and you may even be a pioneer in this field by incorporating new and useful concepts. Coming in touch with you can be a spiritually enriching experience for your disciples. Yellow Seeds are teachers and nurturers. Tend your seeds well today and pay proper attention so that you can enjoy beautiful blooms tomorrow. You may find problem dealing with White Wizard. You are most compatible with Blue Eagle persons."

Were they right? I guess what makes this thing fun is that they always contain a kernel of truth. Haha

Now, I just have to find myself a Blue Eagle person...does that mean, I'm good with people from Ateneo? Hmmm...

An Education

“Paano ba maging teacher?” (How do you become a teacher?) Karla asked through a text message. Through my sleepy haze, I began to type in my reply. Midway through it, I stopped, as I tried to figure exactly what she asking me. I replied back: “Is this a practical, or a philosophical, or perhaps a metaphysical question?”

It was a simple how-to question, she says. But the question stuck, and it did make me think, how do you really become a teacher? Is it a simple matter of being hired as a teacher, and getting teaching load assignments; or getting in front of a class, and giving them their lesson for the day? Is there more to being a teacher?

How do you even begin to want to become one? Does anyone really consciously choose to be a teacher? Or is it one of those professions that you fall into?

In my case (yes, I am a teacher), I knew I wanted to teach early on. Both my parents were educators and though they gave us the freedom to choose whatever it is we wanted, perhaps without even realizing it, they had influenced all of their children to get into teaching. I took interior design as my degree but I also knew that I wanted to teach college. It took me quite a long time to get to it, but for the last three years, I have been teaching interior design at the Mapua Institute of Technology.

The first time I taught, I felt that I had been a disaster. I felt as if I just wasn’t getting through to anyone. I used to joke that my students were like Teflon—nothing sticks, but inside, I felt so inadequate.

Even as I was already considering throwing in the towel, I took it as a challenge. And though I still find teaching to be generally difficult, I find that there are these moments of light, when it seems that everything that you go through with these kids are just worth it.

More than a week ago, the first batch of interior design students that I handled held their graduating exhibit. As their class adviser, it was one of my proudest moments as a teacher, and though I may not be the only one who exerted sole influence on them, somehow I felt that maybe I had something to do with it.

Maybe this is how it feels to be a parent.

It made me feel my age. But somehow, I didn’t mind it one bit.

Being a teacher is not an easy thing, there’s just so much responsibility that comes with it. I’m recalling this ad campaign by Nat Geo with Gang Badoy (another teacher), and she raises the question, “who dreams about being a teacher?” I did. Maybe, this was what I was meant to do, or at least one of the things I was meant to do. As I ponder on this, I’m simply thankful for the chance given me.

Click on this link to see pictures of the MIT Interior Design Exhibit 2011.