Her Dream, Their Beginning

Not every dream begins with the person who eventually fulfills it.

Some of them take root in a mother’s heart, patiently waiting for the day they discover the path into another’s hands.

Behind every lesson written on blackboards, words uttered inside the classroom carry stories shaped by dreams, sacrifices, and unexpected beginnings.

It may seem like an ordinary profession to many but for some, it’s the way of carrying forward a hope that once belonged to someone else.

And yet, teaching is more than just a fulfillment.

It is discovering one’s own purpose, turning challenges into greater opportunities, and giving others the confidence to find their voices.

For Ms. Angel A. Delos Reyes, her discovery began with a dream that was not entirely hers.

Inspired by her mother’s unfinished journey in Education, she pursued continuing the profession her mother once wished to complete.

What began as a way of continuing that dream has grown into a burning passion for teaching.

“My mother was the one who inspired me to become a teacher. She was taking up Education, but unfortunately, she was not able to finish her degree because she became pregnant. Since then, becoming a teacher has also become a way for me to continue the dream that she was not able to finish. Her experience inspired me to pursue this profession and create my own journey as an educator,” Ma’am Angel shared.

Her mother’s journey became more than an inspiration, it became a great reason to build her own path as an educator, guiding students to learn, grow, and become better individuals.

However, in the eyes of Mr. Edrian Ashley Y. Punzalan, teaching was not initially part of his goals.

“Although teaching was not initially my personal choice, it was the long-time dream of my mother. Her dream and aspiration inspired me to pursue this profession. As I continued my journey, I gradually embraced teaching, discovered my passion for it, and developed a genuine love for the profession.”

As he continued his journey, what began as someone else’s aspiration slowly became his own. 

Through sharing knowledge and guiding young learners, he discovered the fulfillment that stems from teaching.

“I especially enjoy teaching young minds, sharing knowledge, guiding learners, and helping them discover their potential. For me, being a teacher goes beyond simply delivering lessons or ensuring that students understand what is written in their books.”

“Teaching is about shaping character, instilling values, inspiring confidence, and preparing young learners to become responsible and compassionate individuals. I believe that teachers do not simply educate students; we also contribute to transforming their lives and helping them become better versions of themselves,” Mr. Punzalan shared.

As he embraces his profession, he found a deeper purpose in helping students bring out the better version of themselves.

While their journey began with their mothers’ dreams, the adventure they continue to experience as new educators has brought out their own set of challenges.

For Ms. Delos Reyes, one of the greatest lessons has been accepting the reality that not everything in the four walls of the classroom is within her control. Rather than allowing difficult situations to overwhelm her, she chooses to remain calm and seek solutions.

“Instead of becoming overwhelmed by them, I try to remain calm and look for ways to address the situation. I also ask for advice from more experienced teachers because I believe that asking for guidance is part of learning and growing as a teacher,” she explained.

Likewise, Mr. Punzalan experienced the demands of adjusting to the new environment—from managing classrooms to meeting the needs of his students.

At times, there are moments when he questions whether he is doing enough.

Still, he views these uncertainties as an opportunity to grow, rather than reasons to give up.

“There are times when I find myself questioning whether I am doing things correctly or whether I am meeting the expectations of my role. However, I see these challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. I understand that becoming an effective teacher is a continuous process, and there will always be new things to discover, skills to develop, and experiences that will help me improve.”

“I am truly grateful to my area and, most especially, to Ma’am Maureen Bonifacio, for her continuous guidance, support, and patience in teaching me the knowledge and skills that I need to learn as a beginning teacher. Her mentorship has helped me become more confident and better prepared to fulfill my responsibilities. I am also thankful to the people around me who are willing to share their experiences and provide assistance whenever I need it. Their support reminds me that I am not alone in this journey.”

“Above all, I remind myself that every challenge is an opportunity to become a better educator. I may still be a new teacher, but I am willing to learn, accept constructive feedback, and continuously improve myself. My goal is not only to become an effective teacher but also to become a teacher who makes a positive and lasting difference in the lives of my students.” Mr. Punzalan added.

Beyond the challenges they face and the adjustments they make, both teachers are united by one great purpose: to make learning a meaningful experience and an unforgettable experience that they will cherish forever.

In the hands of Ms. Delos Reyes, a classroom should not be limited to lectures and textbooks.

“I always try to incorporate humor and relatable examples into my lessons. I believe that when students feel comfortable and enjoy the learning environment, they are more willing to participate. I also try to connect the lessons to situations that they can relate to in their everyday lives. Through this, I encourage them to actively engage in the lesson rather than simply listen,” she explained.

Mr. Punzalan shares a similar belief in making learning meaningful.

“I encourage my students to appreciate and enjoy learning by creating a classroom environment where they feel safe, valued, and motivated to express themselves. I believe that learning should not only take place through books and lessons but also through meaningful experiences, interactive activities, and real-life situations. I want my students to understand that making mistakes is part of learning and that every small achievement is worth celebrating. Most importantly, I strive to inspire them to develop a genuine love for learning and to discover their own potential.”

Their purpose as language teachers extends far beyond helping students master their vocabulary, grammar, and communication. 

For Ms. Delos Reyes, it carries a responsibility that every student should understand.

“I always remind my students that our words are powerful. The words we say can encourage, inspire, or even hurt other people. That is why I want my students to learn how to use their words responsibly and thoughtfully. Beyond grammar and communication, I hope they understand that what we say reflects who we are and can make a difference in the lives of others,” she explained.

For Mr. Punzalan,  he hopes to impart and extend the values of faith, excellence, and service.

“Beyond teaching language, I hope to instill in my students the values of faith, excellence, and service. I want them to understand that education is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about becoming responsible, compassionate, and God-fearing individuals. As a teacher, I believe that we are not simply teaching lessons; we are also shaping character and transforming young minds. My greatest hope is that my students will carry the values they learn inside the classroom into their everyday lives and use their knowledge and talents to serve others and make a positive difference in the world,” he emphasized.

Their beautiful journeys show that teaching goes beyond mastering the subject or fulfilling a dream. 

It is about finding the true meaning in every lesson, growing through every challenge, and recognizing the influence of an educator’s guidance on how it can shape a student’s future.

The dreams that their mothers once treasured have now taken a new meaning in their lives.

As Ms. Delos Reyes and Mr. Punzalan continue to write their new chapters, they are not just simply pursuing the aspirations that first led them to education; they are also building their legacies through the knowledge they impart, the values they instill, and the lives they touch. 

In every lesson they teach, the dreams that once inspired them continue to unfold, taking on a purpose uniquely their own.