Facing Struggles as Students

  When I entered the room of my first Journalism class, I knew it would be unusual. My students were bothered of my presence, not because they are afraid of me, but because it's the crucial day of their lives as students who belong to SPJ class. Another quarter has ended so as their most frightening moment is finally happening.

    For students from a regular class, it's just ordinary to see 'D' and 'AP' marks on their cards, but for SPJ students- those letters signify a condition of distress and dilemma. These marks may mean a lot to be retained in the program. And this was the reason why my class looked so problematic as I stood infront of them.

     "What are you thinking when you badly needed something?" I saw the wonder in the faces of my freshmen class as I began with that question. Maybe they thought I would start with the lesson for that day. I called the name of this young girl seated on the second row. She never hesitated to stand and gave me that innocent smile. I saw her thinking for a while, then giving me a glimpse.

    "I'll do everything to have it, Ma'am." She said in a soft voice.

    "Do you need a passing grade?" I continued.

     "Ofcourse, Ma'am." She replied.

     "Then..have you done everything to have it?" I asked her. She looked straight to my eyes and smiled.

    Silence embraced the room where I've been. I knew it's the opportunity I've been waiting for to give them some relief and help them lessen their burdens.

     "Life is a matter of choice. If you think what's happening to you is difficult, then that will be your feeling even up to the day's end. You better set your mind

in something positive. Try to enjoy & have fun with the tasks you need to deal with. Before you think you can't, why not tell yourself 'I'll do it. I will never give up'." I told the class.

     I saw how their eyes grew bigger and their faces became bright.

    "Hardships are always part of one's lives. Sooner or later you'll encounter more difficult moments in your lives. It is just a matter of how brave and courageous you are in dealing with life's challenges."

     The day ended so fast that I didn't notice it was another day of fruitful moments with them. When I reached home and I was about to go to bed, I've received a message from one of my students telling me something which made me almost cry.

     "Good evening, Ma'am! I just want to thank you for giving our class inspiration to prove our worth. Your words have changed my perspective of being too pessimistic. I feel the desire to enthusiastically accomplish my tasks in school. This is my first time to feel again this eagerness to learn and accept any challenges with courage. With this, let me say you will always be my best teacher."