A passion to teach

NOTHING could be more fulfilling than having the opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise to empower the students while being part of their growth and life-changing journey in reaching their ultimate dreams.

For almost a decade, as government employee at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda 11) Regional Training Center - Korea Philippines Vocational Training Center in Tibungco, Davao City, Shiela Mae T. Agonia, 26, shared that what keeps her to stay in the service is her passion and the rewarding feeling that at the end of the day, she was able to convey her insights to the young ones in a productive way.

“I think the core reason why I stayed is because I wanted to fulfill my purpose especially in contributing to the improvement on our operation and provide quality education for the students,” she said.

When she entered Tesda KorPhil, where she also finished her vocational course in information processing in 2008, she started as a registrar where they are tasked to keep records of the students, facilitate the release of the their credentials, process enrolment, and print certificate upon request.

When the opportunity knocked on her door to be an instructor, she gave it a try. She is presently teaching Computer operations and English.

“As an instructor, I was able to impart my knowledge and guide the trainees, not only in relation to our subject but also for their career and perspective in life,” Agona said.

Agonia admitted that at first, she was terrified with the idea of handling the students and deliver the lessons because of the possibility that they might not get anything from her, but that was what she thought.

As years passed by, she eventually adjusted and ended up loving her work despite its apparent stressful nature that requires ample amount of patience and time to perform a task well.

In 2011, despite having a job already she decided to enroll for a bachelor degree to earn diploma. She took the challenge in juggling her schedule as a working student where she was working in the morning and shifts to a student in the evening.

In 2015, she finished her course of Bachelor in Computer Technology at the University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep).

Agonio believes on the famous adage that if you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life because she added that she enjoyed being in her disposition right now, meeting new people and spark difference in their lives. In the process, she was able to help her family.

Right now, Agonia also plans to pursue a Master in Public Administration to further improved her knowledge and widen her horizon to contribute in the society as an educator and public servant.

Aside from teaching, when asked for her hobbies outside the four corners of the classroom, she said that she is also fond of travelling to different places and discover new things at the same time.