VALUE- BASED LEADERSHIP SEMINARA REFLECTION: HOW DO I WANT PEOPLE TO REMEMBER ME?
EDNA C. TORRES
At the back of my mind, this question has been there over since I found my purpose in life. I have been living my life in a manner that people will remember me for the wonderful things that I do, the legacy that I leave behind the history that I marked in their lives. Time will come and I will leave this world or just retire from the work, I will be judged accordingly by my deeds, bad or good, and therefore I should be conscious that my life history depends on what I do presently. So if anyone would ask me how I want to be remembered, they are three(3) important roles that I have been living and want these things to linger in their minds when they talk about me.
First, as a Mother; I know I can’t be a perfect mom, because there will never be one! But I’ve been trying my best to be close enough to be one. I was blessed with 2 most wonderful children and I am so proud of what they have become. They are the fruits of all the love and care that I showered them. There are times that work and mom duties conflict, and I realized that the time management is the key in juggling these roles. As a Mother, I want people to remember me of my unconditional love, care, support and a mom who believes that quality time should be spent and shared together with her precious family. It may sound all good, but yes, I have short comings as a mother too. There are times that I have to sacrifice my mom duties because of my work, but these didn’t deter my kids to strive better and to reach their goals in life and now they have grown to be better persons. It is amazing that Mother duties surpass all kinds of job descriptions known to men, so I would like to be remembered as a mom who is being there with my kids not only in times when they needed me but also, to be there as their best friend, and as a mom that kids can tell all their secrets and worries without hesitation and give them an honest solution and a loving support. Yes, I am not a perfect mom, but for sure I am “my children’s Perfect Mother”
Second, as a Teacher: in my profession as Teacher, I would like to be remembered as a hardworking and passionate in my teaching job. To be a teacher, it requires not only teaching process, but to go over and beyond teaching, you may call it dual-personality, or multi-tasking, to become a teacher and a mother rolled into one to your students. I would like to be remembered as a compassionate teacher, because I give all my heart and soul into my profession. As a teacher in love with my profession. I don’t see myself in any job but only as a Teacher, with a heart full of eagerness and willingness to share knowledge to my students and make them feel that they can dream big and to provide them tools and support to reach for their big dreams.
Third, as a head Teacher: leveling up in my profession comes with higher responsibilities. Now that I am a Head Teacher, I believe that I am a leader and I would like to be remembered as a leader with a vision and passion for her personal and professional life. I would like to be remembered as team player and as someone with good leadership and organizational skills and a leader that provides fair and unbiased solution. This is because I considered these as important traits of a good leader. Moreover, I want to be remembered as a leader that can motivate her colleagues to work harmoniously with each other in order to achieve their objectives for the betterment of their organization.
Finally, I would love to be remembered as a person with critical mind but open to constructive criticism, always ready and eager to learn and someone who has lived with compassion, and passion in her work and profession. I want to be remembered for the good deeds that I have lived to do and to be remembered for the good and reputable name with untarnished community figure which I have built. I want people to remember me for what they have become because of me. — oOo— The author is Head Teacher I at Sto. Tomas National High School, Sto. Tomas