Mission Statement: As a Filipino, college-preparatory, Catholic and Jesuit High School, our mission is to form Christ-centered young men of competence, conscience, compassion and commitment who will be a positive transforming difference in the life of the nation and the global community ad majorem Dei gloriam!

Which part of the AHS mission strikes you most?  Why?  In what ways can you contribute as a teacher to make this part of the mission a reality?

The first part of the Mission statement—As a Filipino, college-preparatory, Catholic and Jesuit High school—struck me the most because this is what, I believe, separates Ateneo from the other high schools. The Ateneo education not only focuses on developing culture and competence needed by the students to become successful in college, but equally gives emphasis in practicing a deep and well-grounded spirituality as well—a practice, based on experience, that will be more applicable once formal schooling ends. This way the institution provides a holistic development for the students not only in preparing them for tertiary education, but for life beyond schools’ walls as well.

As a teacher, I will not only provide my students with the competencies needed to be successful in college (and beyond) through up-to-date and research-based techniques, but I will also develop character in the students through practical, everyday adaptations of spiritual exercises through a Jesuit’s perspective. Hopefully through my own colorful experiences and unique perspective to things, I would be able to add depth in the students’ daily experiences, giving them the opportunity to start contemplating about the big questions in life.

I believe and understood through experience that the Ateneo institution strives to form people who will serve as God’s very beacons of hope. Having been educated by the Jesuits myself all my life, I carry with me a familiar tone and voice which will hopefully resonate in the hearts and minds of the students to inspire them to aim for more, magis. 

March 5, 2012

Rev. Fr. Raymund-Benedict Q. Hizon, S.J., Principal

Ateneo de Manila University High School

Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights

Quezon City 1108, Philippines

Dear Fr. Hizon, S.J.:

I would like to seek your acceptance of my application to becoming a faculty member of the Ateneo High school. The following are what I would like you to consider in reviewing my application:

1.      Early on I discovered my passion for teaching when I was presented with the opportunity to substitute a teacher during one Teacher’s Day event back in my high school in Cebu. It was then when I discovered my effectiveness and creativity in composing and executing lesson plans that made the classroom experience more exciting and conducive for learning. From that day on, after receiving positive feedback from the teacher and students, I wanted to pursue career in teaching. My experience in Alay ni Ignacio (a student organization that provided academic enhancement courses to selected public high school students) further convinced me to listen and address the calling to teach. It was during graduation day when, much to my surprise, I received a handful of heart-warming letters telling me how I have made an impact in their lives. These letters showed me how effective my teaching style was in making a difference in them. It was then when I told myself that no matter how much I had to struggle to make them learn what needed to be taught, this was something I would not mind doing for the rest of my life.

2.      I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and completed a minor in Education. I was part of the student organization Alay ni Ignacio (ANI) as a volunteer teacher and was later on assigned as the Guidance Counselor. As a volunteer, I was tasked to simply execute an already made learning package. In spite the limited resources, I still gained the interest of my students because I related the lessons to their everyday experiences. This not only colored the lessons, but it gave depth to their daily activities as well. Also, I participated in the Ateneo Catechetical Instruction League (ACIL) as a Catechist teaching in the streets of the Waterhole community in Commonwealth. There we executed lesson plans about Catechism and predominantly made the street children feel Christ as a living reality by treating them with much love and respect on his behalf. Finally, as part of the program in one of my Education subjects, I was assigned to be an assistant Faculty member to one of the Araling Panlipunan teachers, Franz Santos, where I was exposed to formal teaching. Again, I received favorable feedback both from my students and mentor because I used a more reflective approach—I asked more thought-provoking questions instead of providing dates and facts—in discussing the events and the values behind them.

With these, I am confident to claim that I have a more realistic set of expectations in the demands and responsibilities of being a teacher.

3.      Currently I am employed as the Corporate Learning Associate in Diversified Technology Solutions International, Inc., where I am in-charge of implementing the various employee relations programs, external and internal trainings, and recruitment strategies of the various units of the company.  Also, my task is to implement the succession planning programs and other administrative tasks on a regular basis. Although I enjoy my role in my current position, I feel that I would be maximized to my fullest potential if I were in a classroom. Lastly, though I know that I was educated to grow where ever I am planted (in fact, I’ve received feedback from superiors that I have become an asset to the organization already), I know deep down that I will be more fulfilled doing what teachers do best—help students achieve.

4.      Initially, I decided to postpone pursuing my dream to teach because I was doubtful that I might not become an effective teacher knowing that I lacked experience outside the walls of the school. However, with the help of mentors both in school and in my current workplace, I realized that for as long as I loved what I did, I will become effective. It is the passion and not just the credentials that will make me succeed in the field I choose. With that I decided to finally do what I love and not just love what I do.

5.      Given that I am presented with the opportunity to teach in the Ateneo High School, I believe my colorful experiences and stories will animate my lectures in order to better facilitate learning in the classroom. Also, having graduated from a Jesuit high school myself, it will be easier for me to design the lessons to make them more relevant and significant to the students. Lastly, I am aware of the core values that organizations seek in fresh graduates (integrity, humility, and perseverance) and it is these values which I want to develop into habits so that my future students will live out what it truly means to become magis.

In summary, I believe I have enough experience and credentials to become an effective faculty member in the Ateneo High school and I believe I have the right intentions of pursuing a career in teaching—I want to help students achieve not only academically, but personally as well, where they conquer their very limitations in order to become better people. I am convinced that at the end of the day, it is not just the results that we produce that matter most; but rather the kind of person we ultimately become. As an advocate of self-actualization, and should I be given the opportunity and privilege to teach, I will make it a point to lead my students to not just ask the questions that matter to them most, but to rather live them out. So that one day they would live out the answers.

With these, I seek your acceptance of my application to be a faculty member in the Ateneo High School.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

My Warmest Regards,

Geoffrey Miles L. Mercado

“We’re living together, Greg and I and we have a wonderful home and family” she says.

“I see. That sounds great! So where’s your ring?” I say in reply.

“Soon.” Then she looks the other way and changes the subject.

What’s wrong with living together or cohabiting before getting married? You’re going to end up with that person anyway. So what’s the fuss about getting a license, signing contracts, and preparing for an expensive ceremony? Isn’t it more practical to cohabit first because that way you get to know the person more before tying the knot?

People seem to “lose sight of the big picture” (Fr. Dacanay, SJ) in their understanding of marriage. Probably to most, marriage is a license to have sex with their partners. Or a resort to saving the face and name of a family. Others see marriage as a part of life, a given in the equation; not a deliberate choice. And probably this shallow understanding of marriage (or matrimony to be more specific) is what pushes these people to undergo a “trial marriage” in the form of cohabitation. Also, this trial marriage is believed to lessen the likelihood of divorce or annulment because it gives the couple ample time to get to know each other beyond the simple girlfriend-boyfriend relationship but prior to marriage. However, little do these people know that they are running towards a brick wall.

The Paper Marriage

First of all, I believe that marriage or matrimony is a deliberate and well-informed choice. You don’t marry because other people are doing so or telling you to do so. You marry because you want to create a matrimony with a person whom you swear to love and to cherish in front of other people. It’s not supposed to be an excuse or a go signal to perform a taboo activity, sex. In fact, the relationship and partnership that is formed through marriage should weigh more than the 15-minute work out. Sex is an expression of a total and life-long commitment to just one body, one mind, one person. And if the marriage is founded on sex alone, I can’t imagine how shallow the couple could be, that they don’t seem to understand the value of the personhood of their partner.

What’s the rush?

Next, yes, I understand the argument about why wait for marriage if you’re sure you’re going to end with this person anyway? My question here is, if you’re so sure about the person, what’s the rush? Marriage is not a formalization of a relationship. You don’t get married to “get things over with.” It’s not a mere formal and notarized signing of documents that “proves” you will love each other ‘til death do you part. Marriage, in my understanding, is a public proclamation that in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, only one person will hold your hand. There is value in waiting. And there is greater fulfillment if you have patience. When the time is right, everything will come together. That’s an element of hope.

The Trial Marriage

Probably the most common argument about cohabitation is what we called “the trial marriage”. With the recurring news of the increasing number of failed marriages all over, one should be careful in choosing their mates. Others would even go as far as trying out a marriage-like relationship in order to see and get to know their partner even more. They would say that “there are things that as boyfriend-girlfriend, you wouldn’t know about your partner. It’s when you live together that you get to see the other side. And it’s during that moment when you can decide if you are willing to live with that person or not.” Others would even say, “you can’t guarantee that he/she will not hurt you. So you might as well be safe and weigh your options.” These statements, in my opinion, sound like the people in the relationship are not totally honest with each other. And it is this dishonesty where the doubts spring from.

In response to that argument, yes, there appears to be many reports about failed marriage all because the successful ones are not news-worthy. This bias-towards-failed-marriage-news creates the fallacy that there are next to none successful marriages. Next, if you are sure about one person, it’s because both of you have been completely honest with each other. You showed your dark side when you were supposed to show your best foot forward. You both shared the same level of depth and appreciation about things and values. And you both have thought long and hard about the relationship and did not consider marriage as simply the next thing to do because you’re bored with just being a girlfriend or boyfriend. Also, you wouldn’t be caught in so much doubt towards your partner if from the start you didn’t know yourself and what you wanted. If you knew from the very beginning what you’ve always wanted, then that person would have been the closest embodiment of all your passions, desires, dreams, and expectations! If not, then why are you settling for that person? Is out of convenience that you two have been together for quite a long time already? Or is it because you have no choice? 

In short, the most probable reason why someone would resort to a trial marriage is because they’re not sure of their partner and what that partner could become. Probably, this uncertainty springs from the fact that both were not really honest with each other to begin with. And the probable reason for this dishonesty is because from the start they were not sure of what or who they really wanted. Thus, they settled for whoever came their way without weighing their other real options.

The Leap of Faith Called Marriage

Lastly, yes, marriage does not guarantee that the person will not hurt you, and I understand the rationale behind weighing your options before taking the deep plunge. In fact, nothing in this world would ever guarantee anyone that they will not get hurt if they get into a relationship with a fellow human being. Marriage shouldn’t be a checklist of good things to come, but rather an act of faith and trust that no matter what happens, the other person will stick around. It’s persisting and enduring against all odds, that you are the right person for him/her and he/she for you. Any mature and decent person would understand the amount of trust a person gives when they decide to marry, and that trust should never be compromised. Because at the end of the day, it’s trust that will make or break the relationship. This, my friend, is what we call commitment. And in commitment, there are no if’s. It’s all or nothing.

Contrary to common belief, cohabitation encourages divorce or dissolution of marriage because it lacks that one key ingredient, trust. You’re leaving an escape hatch if things go wrong in the relationship when you engage in a trial marriage. The trial marriage only proves that you are NOT ready to marry. So don’t bother if you’re not all in. Because you’re only going to waste the other person’s time being unhappy and unsatisfied and starting over with someone else.

In Conclusion.

This is the bigger picture that most people leave out. And it’s such a pity that not a lot of people are made aware of their own thinking and biases. No wonder people make the same mistakes over and over. Hopefully this post provided a new perspective in trial marriage, or should I say, trial commitment. 

But you don’t have to take my word for it. If you still believe differently from what I said. It’s okay. Because at the end of the day, our lives boil down into one question, “Do you still like the kind of person you’re becoming?” If the path you chose allows you to concretely answer that question, then good for you. If not, then there must be something missing in your life.

Cheers!

Photo is Courtesy of: http://issuesofhumandevelopment.blogspot.com/2010/07/cohabiting-adults.html

How long does it take before you tell yourself “enough is enough”? Where do you strike the difference between persistence and stupidity? When do you know that you’re still chasing your dream and not living up to the expectations of others? Where. When.

I know many who have this amazing courage to postpone (or even completely abandon) their dreams because they need to address a current situation. Some had children early in their lives—for reasons that we cannot judge. Others have the big responsibility of putting their siblings’ dreams on the line (often without their consent). Others, still, have to feed not only their stomachs, but the expectations of the ones who gave them their opportunity. 

To the ones who conceived early, I salute you. You had your reasons. Maybe a lack of appreciation in the past pushed you to search for it in the wrong places. Or you simply felt that it was the right thing to do at the time. And now you have to adjust your dreams so that these would not deprive your gifts of their chance to dream. Such a noble act. But a consequence that should have been considered before the life-changing decision.

To the ones who have the future of their families on their shoulders, I admire you. I don’t know what it’s like to act accordingly in order to keep the family’s honor and respect. Neither do I know what it’s like to base your decisions with your family’s. And I don’t think I have the patience to postpone my gratification because I have to think of the gratification of others. And with that, I salute you. You are a very strong person. Character is what you have.

To the ones who have to live up to the expectations of others, I salute you. How can you go against your parents (for example) who focused most of their adult life trying to give you the best education, the best home, the best compensation, the best? How can you tell them, “thank you so much for the help, but I’d like to make things happen on my own”? How do you tell them that you’re not taking their efforts for granted, but simply want to make them proud that you made good use of them? And how can you tell them right in their faces that although you are their flesh and blood, you don’t want to be exactly like them, but an equally individual worth admiring? 

To these people, you have my respect and admiration. You are doing a very noble task of postponing your dreams for the sake of others. But the question for myself here is, I am not one of you. I am not given the responsibility of raising kids or ensuring the future of my sibling. Neither am I living under the dogma that my parents laid out. And yet, why am I not chasing my dream? 

It’s about time that I started walking towards what I really want to do, because I know if you were in my position, without hesitation, you’d chase after your dreams. And I believe more people would delight in the fact that I’m finally on my way to becoming what and who I’ve always wanted to be. 

It’s not wrong to be postpone the pursuit of your dreams, but it’s stupid to not chase them because you’re too afraid to fail. I can still be the effective teacher even if I don’t go through the ranks of the corporate world. I might even instill more note-worthy and practical values to my students if they see how much I love what I do, what I believe in. I want to be a teacher. I want to be an educator. I want to help students achieve.

The main reason why I decided at the start to postpone my dreams was because I felt that I wouldn’t be an effective teacher if I taught right after college. An effective, well-respected teacher is what I want to become and in order for me to do that, I need to establish my credibility. Thus, I decided to try out the world outside of school so that I can have something to bring back once I decide to teach. For some reason, fate has a way of making things happen for you. Right before I graduated, I prayed and hope that my trip outside the walls of school would give me enough experience and stories to pass on to my students. What had originally been a 3- to 5- year tenure, is fast becoming a brief stay. When I said that I wouldn’t mind going through the most difficult experience  for as long as I get the experience, turned to be a brute reality. 

The post is not to bash my job, but to explain the chronic dissatisfaction I feel knowing that this is not what I want to do. I feel like I’m a glorified clerk who ever so often hosts events and goes wild for a few minutes. When the heat has settled and the laughter shared, we revert back to the world of delivering requests and processing documents. There are few moments when I feel alive and that’s when I conduct the new employee the induction orientation. But with the amount of work that needs to be done in a limited amount of time, even the source of my satisfaction is cut short. Somehow, where I am, is where I am supposed to be for the moment.

I asked for a challenge. And a challenge is what I got. I work an average of 12 hours a day (with a 15-minute lunch on my desk) and I still can’t get things done on time. I arrive at work an hour early and I leave 3 hours after the prescribed end-of-business hours. I try to ask for help but everyone else is just as busy and just as stretched as I am. Envy is what I feel whenever I see people on the streets rushing to get home while I am still in the office trying to get home before the evening reaches the later hours. Dinner is an option. A one-hour lunch break is privilege. Even the weekends know no rest for me. In summary, there is no work-life balance in my job. And it has taken its toll on my relationships.

On too many occasions I have made up for loss time to the people I love. On too many occasions I was left wondering what happened to an old and dear friend. And too many times I was questioned as to what were my priorities: my job or my relationship. 

I wake up wondering about how I could get home early and I sleep with a nagging feeling that I have much work to be done. So the topic of all my conversations with friends and family become a gripe session for me. 

Most of the more senior workers would tell us to leave work behind in the office. But how can you do that if the very employability of others rest on your ability to deliver results? How could you simply leave behind work when you know a person will not have his overtime pay credited on time or a person will not receive his/her final pay if you don’t finish your job? My responsibility is the productivity and employability of other people. How could I simply leave my work in the office when another person might not be able to go back to the office the next day because of me.

What pushed me to finally decide that the time is right for a drastic change, was when I was stuck at work late in the evening and I found myself breaking down. I was having a fight with my partner, a very demanding internal client, and a worsening health condition. I stopped and asked myself for the nth time if I was still happy with what I’m doing, and for the nth time, the answer was a resounding “no”. I needed to be happy with what I was doing. The only reason why I decided to stay in the job was because I wanted to fix a program that we started the previously. But at that very moment, I realized that fixing the program was no longer worth all the sleepless nights, endless quarrels, and countless breakdowns. It wasn’t worth all the disappointment and frustrations I was going through. It was about time that I did myself a favor.

After a silent and reflective day the previously, I finally found clarity: I want to teach. And I’d rather burn out doing something I love than breakdown doing other things.

To the ones who needed to postpone their dreams, I offer this leap to you. To the ones who waited for a long time for this moment, I thank you for your continued support. I will make you happier knowing that I’m happy doing what I love.

So it’s time to go. It’s time to take flight.

Ready. Shoot. Aim.

Photo is from: http://www.8womendream.com/24109/positive-thursday-dream-big-live-bigger/

Meet the woman who will change you in 5 minutes.

One spontaneous afternoon, we decided to meet up and spend some quality time together. And what’s more relaxing than sitting next to each other while reading books that speak much about ourselves.

Good thing no security guards bothered us.

For some reason, you loves this angle of mine. 

We had a Pancake House Banana Split Ice Cream for dessert.

This has been bothering me all-day long. I keep remembering one of the most ironic sights I’ve ever witnessed: the shanty in the middle of the Recto walkway connecting the two major Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations. What particularly bothers me is the big firewall that seems to show its back on the tiny, jam-packed shanty, apathetic to whatever happens in the seemingly God-forsaken village. It seems like the operations in the railway station is more important the lives that struggle outside. Quite frankly, I don’t think people in the station give a damn at all if a fire erupts or not for as long as it doesn’t hinder the operations. But what really aches my being is the experience of having to walk on the walkway that connects the two train stations together.

I’ve only had the privilege of walking on this bridge to get to where I need to be, but whenever I walk on its ill-maintained steps and grills, I can’t help but gaze at awe at this little community that’s simply ignored by the people in transit. And what’s worse is that this place is made up of low-quality and highly flammable material, resulting to the numerous outbreaks of creeping infernos. Many lives have been lost in this area and many others are constantly at risk.

One of the reasons why I refuse to commute all the way to this area is because I’m overwhelmed with guilt and frustration knowing very well where I stand in the social ranks. Is it wrong for me to want them to have a better life? A better quality of living?  But, more importantly, am I doing something concrete to make sure that I am actually living my questions?

This idea just popped in my head during the many times I zone out during Sunday homilies. I only caught what the homilist said about Jesus calling out his disciples for the first time, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” These words struck me hard because, I wondered, how could these men easily leave behind everything they knew and owned and devote themselves fully to a man they’ve just met. I wonder also how many times has my God called on me and I simply looked the other way.

Maybe for those of you who will get the chance or even cross this walkway on a daily basis, it won’t hurt to ask yourself if this sight affects you at all or are you simply passing by, pretending not to see any of these?

DISCLAIMER: I did not take the photos; I googled them.

*Comment and reflections to follow*