HEROISM IN THE 21ST CENTURY

The author is Teacher

RIZA G. SANTOS

Heroes fought for independence. From slavery, deprivation of rights, abuse of authority, and invasion; heroes struggled out of their courage, bravery and desire for freedom, they achieved independence. Modern heroes are no longer in the battlefield fighting for freedom against ignorance, cruelty, violence, exploitation, and others. They are not the famous marvel characters we usually seen when watching movies with distinctive super powers and stunning strength. They can now be seen inside the classroom – these are so-called teachers.

They render service beyond their duty without asking anything in return. They always engage themselves in the community voluntarily. As the need arises, in the exigency of the service, they are working beyond the prescribed period of hours. Working during Saturdays and Sundays even holidays just to comply with the reports needed in the office without any compensation. Train pupils during weekends in preparation for the forthcoming contest instead of spending their quality time with their family.

They infuse good values, attitudes, talents, knowledge, skills, and wisdom to children under their care without material gain in return. Doing school work and even brought at home without complaining for the sake of their children in nurturing the right education they deserve.

They continue their journey in doing good deeds despite the arduous challenges they have in teaching. Some are suffering from stress because of unexpected visit for classroom observation by the higher-ups in the echelon. They even skip their meals and sleep very late at night because of unfinished preparing their daily lesson logs and instructional devices for tomorrow’s lesson.

Despite the sacrifices in the profession, their passion, dedication and devotion in teaching don’t end. They continue to inspire their children and be the source of their aspiration to achieve their dreams. They continue doing acts of goodness in building the brighter future of their children. It’s all heroic acts where only teachers can do these. — oOo—

I at Malino Elementary School, Mexico North District