IT’S NEVER TOO LATE

LAILA M. GOMEZ

Waking up early in the morning is an ordeal not only to those who burned the midnight oil but also to almost everyone who can’t help but to pilfer a few more minutes of sleep. Moreover, if the weather is inviting, one can’t help but to stay on the bed and turn into a layabout. Perhaps, this is the truest reason behind all possible explanations why many students and employees are late in schools and in workplaces.

Tardiness is an issue ever-present in every organization or even in an established institution. Employees who are unpunctual in reporting on the agreed time always have something in defence, so do the students. Many say it is the traffic that makes them fall short of the scheduled time while working mothers express that it’s the household responsibilities that take most of their time. Rendering service is a noble job no matter how big or small the compensation is. Punctuality is one of the work ethics that every employee should possess. It is a sign of dedication and commitment to duty.

However, students nowadays speak about sleeping late and not able to wake up early when asked why they are tardy. These excuses are lame if not further perused. As a teacher, one must be concerned with the real problem of the student. What keeps them awake till late at night? Why can’t they wake up early unlike other children? Does their situation need intervention from teachers or even experts? Students miss a lot of things when they arrive late in class. Every minute missed is an opportunity to learn that’s lost.

Despite all the excuses that one can give to rationalize his being tardy, it all boils down to habit and discipline. Humans are designed to be adaptable. Time is fixed. Therefore, man should be the one to adjust to the challenge of beating the time. It is never too late to be on time.

— oOo— The author is Teacher III at Pampanga High School