COUNTING ON WHAT REALLY COUNTS

CAROLYN I. CARO

Every parent’s dream that their children will be successful in their endeavor. This is one of the reasons why they don’t mind all the hurdles in their work just to give the best for their children especially when it comes to education. As the elders would often say education is the stepping stone to succeed. I remember what my late father once told me, if I didn’t try to be a working student I would not be in this place, maybe I am still in the island and be one of those dreaming a better life. Now, if you don’t want to be in that same situation go and pursue your dreams.

In a world where the pride of the society are the honorees and commendations given, all the praises and alleluia to the academic awardee and outstanding of the institution are the bases of quality education or even employee. But what is really meant by educated? Is it by achieving a flying color grade? Or perhaps being awarded as the most workaholic team. Finishing studies in prominent universities with all the Latin prefixes. Is it all that count s?

Now that we are in millennial era, the basics are almost forgotten. As Bob Talbert state and I quote “Teaching kids to count is fine but teaching them what counts is best.” This is where parents and teachers or even other stakeholders need to be united in strengthening the good manners and right conduct of our students. Furthermore, it is not enough that we teach but to be a model of those characters. Integrating the values in the lessons is not enough, it should further be heightened by the support from home and the community.

Educating the mind and heart should be together, as caretaker of these young generation this becomes a point of reflection, how would we like to see them? A man of brilliance? Or a man of brilliance and values? At this moment, the answers are in our hands.

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The author is Teacher II (Araling Panlipunan Teacher) at Rafael L. Lazatin Memorial High School.