My 5th Batch: Phoenix '14

Out of all the academic years, I think this year went by the fastest! It was probably because I was 24/7 busy with something teaching/running/family-related.

Since this batch was in their first year, my good friend Jen has always raved about them (Phoenix '14).  After she handled the batch in their freshman year, she told me, "Abangan mo sila! Sobrang okay na batch!" And when she was eventually assigned to teach H3, she genuinely looked forward to having them again as students.

Of course we all know that didn't go as planned because, well, God had other plans.  So I became their third year teacher instead.  Well, it was a great year.  Like each school year, I meet a wonderful mix of students: some crazy, some straight, some really smart kids, some street smart ones, some smart Alec's, some witty students, some hard-headed ones, some awkward kids, some great athletes, some hyper kids, great writers, awesome talents...and the list goes on.

Inasmuch as I would have also wanted to be a stay-at-home mom to be with my months-old baby, my heart also somewhat belonged in the classroom where I could be with the students and do my share in helping them live a better faith life.  I'm glad to say that sacrificing time with my son to continue being a teacher was worth it.  I say this from the bottom of my heart - I sincerely enjoyed every single day with the batch and would do it all over again if I have to.

If you are reading this, Phoenix, Ms. Beli was right, you girls were worth the wait.  Thank you for the many classroom memories we all made, thank you for bearing with me when I had to limp because of some running injury, for listening to my stories and experiences (as if naman you could 'turn off' your hearing sense), for accepting me in spite of my weirdness (and my long ummmm's), for writing all those heartfelt reflection papers, for cheering for me whenever you'd see me run around ICA, for sharing your lives with me and listening to me share mine with you :) Most importantly, for inspiring me every single day to be a better me - a better mom so that my kid/s will grow up to be as smart and talented as you girls are, to run better and eat healthy so I could encourage you to do the same and to teach in the best possible way because you deserve no less.

Here's a special shout out to III-Mercy the only class that made an effort to actually write thank you notes to their teachers.  Much, much, much appreciated <3

To me, teaching is not just a job.  It's an opportunity for me to change the world in my own little way... because I believe that to make a difference, you simply have to go beyond yourself and give love to others.  Everything I have done this year (yes, even the scolding, lecturing and giving of SBFs), I have done out of love.  If you recall Randy Pausch and his Last Lecture, he says, "Your critics are the ones telling you they still love you and care.  Worry when you do something badly and nobody bothers to tell you."

Thank You Phoenix/Batch 2014 for a school year to remember.  God bless you <3

Much love,
Mrs. Guce

Goodbye :(

Jenelyn Belisario-Quinto

August 10, 1986 - February 5, 2012

Today, I lost a good friend.  Met her in May of 2007 when I first started teaching.  I knew she was from the province and initially, I found her quite odd.  I remember one time we all came to a session from a break - she had a grasshopper in her hand and said she found it outside and natuwa daw siya. Immediately I though, uh-oh...weird...?

But as the weeks, months and years passed by, she proved me wrong by showing me who she really was.  She was outspoken, fearless, she fought for what was right, as a teacher she was strict yet with a warm and compassionate heart for the students.  She loved the ICANs and showed it very well.  As a friend, she was accommodating - in as much as she can, she helped even if it meant sacrifice on her part.

I have countless memories with her (being seated next to each other for five years) and I cannot begin to describe how much I will miss her.  Although I initially thought we were opposites, her being from the province and me growing up in the city, I have grown so close to her through the years that we even text at night after a long day at work!

We got married the same year (only 3 months apart), got pregnant also the same year (1 month apart).  We often talked about what kind of wives and mothers we would be, how we would raise our children and how our kids (boy and girl) would be playmates one day.  Most of our free time was spent talking about brands that were good for the baby, breastfeeding, what kind of diaper to use, etc.

I know this shouldn't be the case but being a mom now has a bittersweet ring to it.  I've always imagined being a mom with her.  At the same time, though, this also makes me even more determined to be the best mom I can be - not only for my baby, but for Jen whom I know wanted so badly to become a mother.

**

God's ways are different from ours.  I don't know what God's plans are - for her husband and her 4-day old baby.  But I know He knows best.

They say time heals all wounds but for some reason, I don't want this wound to ever heal - if it means always being reminded of a dear friend and sister.

I'll miss you everyday, Jen!