Friday, August 22, 2008

Is teaching a profession... a continuation

College life could be so tough especially if you still don't know what are your plans. before graduating from high school i was able to apply in a university in which i do not know if i had a good chance of being admitted. it's the only university i applied for. what's in my mind during that time is that i'm graduating and so i can look for a job now and star earning money. but it wasn't too easy. i went on a job interview, i thought i was ready but during the interview i can't even face my interviewee. as a result, they didn't accepted me for the job. after my job interview, i had to rush to this university for my interview also, not for a job but for being a student. i learned my lesson, i have to be confident in everything that i would say to the interviewee. this time i prepared my self. the interviewee ask me: why do you want to take up BS Physics? and i answered confidently : because i was inspired by my physics teacher. i wanted to become like her -- a very inspiring, dedicated, intelligent teacher.
To make the long story short, i was accepted in the said university. here comes the first day. First year section 9. where is my buddy? i met him during the orientation for the freshmen. first subject: values education, hehehehe... i was happy to know that i've got physics subject again. now i can refresh everything. but half of it is chemistry... i was worried... i hate chemistry, i'd never liked this subject. never... it made everything worst, got 2.75 in my physical science class. i'm losing my chance of becoming a physics teacher...
A month before the end of the second semester, releasing of the result of the majorship exam. i took up BSE physics majorship exam which is first on my list, second is BSE social science and third is BEED (Bachelor of Elementary Education). I passed none of the three, i really felt bad about it. i am so disappointed. i went to the students affairs office for some advice, she told me that there are still other departments who are open for application. i don't want to waste time. i decided to take history exam... after three days i was happy to know that i passed the qualifying exam. This is how i ended up teaching history for four years now.
I never expected the subject to be so interesting! I thought history is boring, but i was wrong. With a combination of interactive activities and well-educated professors --- you'll enjoy and learn a lot from the subject.
i failed my physics teacher of her expectation from me. i went back to my high school to visit her. she was so excited to hear from me. i told her i was not able to make it. i am not a physics major but a history major. She look at me and smile. and then she said: it doesn't matter if your a physics or history major. what matters most is you love what you are doing and contented with what you have right now. Inspire others.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

is teaching a profession?

"In education, a teacher is one who helps students or pupils, often in a school, as well as in a family, religious or community setting. A teacher is an acknowledged guide or helper in processes of learning. A teacher's role may vary between cultures. Academic subjects are emphasized in many societies, but a teacher's duties may include instruction in craftsmanship or vocational training, spirituality, civics, community roles, or life skills. In modern schools and most contemporary occidental societies, where scientific pedagogy is practiced, the teacher is defined as a specialized profession on the same level as many other professions."

This is an an article from wikipedia got my attention and so i decided to create an article bout it. Teaching is indeed a big responsibility, you really have to work hard in order for you to be in this profession. Being a teacher is , i guess, is a not a profession but a vocation. just imagine the number of students you faced everyday, the pile of works in your table inside the faculty room, not to mention the works you brought home. being a teacher needs patience, u should be hardworking and willing to set aside of your personal life (even love life) for the sake of a student who needs your help. sometimes you even forgot to eat ur meals because there are lots of papers piled up in your table to be check. so many dealines, a lot of things to submit, and a lot of problematic students to help everyday. sometimes, i was kinda thinking "what if im not a teacher"? will i be this kind of person? will i be like this?

in my high school years, i never thought of becoming a teacher. i was thinking of becoming a doctor, an engineer or a politician maybe. hahahaha! but really i never thought of becoming a teacher. in my 4th year, i transferred here in manila. i studied at Pasay City East High School. being new to the school of course, i was a bit shy and ashamed of myself (promdi eh). i befriended everybody. i belonged to a class which is 2nd to the lowest section. there are 17 section and i was in section 15. well the first quarter turn out to be good, i became the top 1 in the class, which made me very famous. and so my classmates always asked me about our assignments, rely on me in doing our projects and even voted for me to be the class representative in every competition in the school. but still i never thought of becoming a teacher.

here comes the second sem, there is this science teacher who inspired me much. i like her style of teaching. we learn a lot from her. from that very day, i said to myself.... i wanted to become a teacher!!!!

and so here i am, fulfilling my dream, enjoying what i do in life, contented with what im doing and willing to inspire others.



Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Summer Vacation Career Tips

You may feel that during the rest of the year you simply don't have time to even think about your future career, let alone do something about it. Although you may be equally busy in the summer, this is a great time to step back and think about your short-term and long-term career plans. Start by making a list of some reasonable summer goals. What are some of the key factors that you want to have settled by the end of the summer? Commit your ideas to writing and start prioritizing your needs. At the end of the summer, review and assess your new skills, interests and establish more goals for the year.

Here are my 10 tips for what you can do this summer to advance your career:

1. Explore Your Options
Try to progress from feeling "clueless" to narrowing down your options to your top ten, and then preferably to your top 3 to 5 choices. Start early and investigate what is required to break into those fields including the educational requirements and starting salaries. Your local library might have a career section of directories and other resources. Will you pursue work or further education?

If you are considering more education, gather catalogs of schools that interest you, work on your personal statement/essay, study and register for the SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT or other appropriate test. Plan some road trips to your top choice schools.

2. Strengthen Your Resume
There is no better time to write it than summer. If you already have a resume, be sure you update it with any new experience. A strong resume can produce multiple interviews. Have it critiqued and to make sure you are on track.

3. Volunteer Into A Career
Learn as much as you can about your options from volunteering. Make it meaningful and try to take on as many projects and responsibilities as possible. Any employer will expect you to have relevant experience in the form of work experience, volunteering, part-time jobs, in addition to strong academic credentials.

4. Network

Conduct informational interviews and meet people that can help you achieve your goals. Shadow someone in the field for a day or a week to get a taste of the profession. Tap into the networks of your family and friends to develop relationships with professionals and to generate other leads. Listen to what advice they give you on how to prepare for your career and be successful. Since career development is voluntary, take charge and responsibility for the choices and the opportunities available to you. Collect business cards for future reference.

5. Buy An Interview Suit
Make sure you have the proper interview attire; get it done during the summer when you have time.

6. Develop Transferable Skills
Most employers can teach you to perform a specific job, and so what they really seek in job candidates are "soft skills." These can be used in almost any career and can include teamwork, problem solving, communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Any organization will also expect that you come to the job with motivation, initiative, positive attitude, ethics, and analytical qualities.

7. Obtain Strong References
When you do your full blown job search, an employer will ask you for references to confirm your abilities. Be relationship oriented with your references since you will need them to make a difference in your candidacy. If you apply to graduate school, they may be essential for being accepted. The Career Services office at your college may allow you to establish a Credentials File for storing your letters.

8. Read Three Career Development Books
During the downtime of the summer, I recommend that you read at least one relevant career book during each of the months of June, July and August. I might recommend What Color is Your Parachute, Do What You Are and Sweaty Palms. Read about various industries, employers, and specific job titles. When you think about how much time you will be spending at work, this type of research will be a real investment.

9. Take A Course
A summer class might help you catch up with credits, stay ahead of your course of study or help you learn a transferable skill. It may also lead to some networking opportunities. Learning a new computer application will also look attractive on your resume.

10.Get Advice
Contact your "dream team" of advisors and friends and give them an update. Let them know how your summer is going and ask them for three tips to move your career forward. Regular meetings with a professional career counselor in your area will also shape your decision-making and help you focus on what you want to be when you grow up.