Developed and Transmuted by School

Rolando D. Mendiola

“09271234567” – I do not know what to feel when I saw this on the men’s comfort room at school. I laughed at the idea that these students can think of such things. Writing their phone number on walls or doors is very usual particularly on public schools. Maybe because some students are bored or trying to look for some who can they talk to.

There are numerous reasons my students may never realize of until they are probably the same age as mine, I love being in school. One of the reasons is that there’s complimentary literary sections inscribed within the comfort rooms – I cannot remember how many stories I have found by browsing all through these vandalisms. On the other hand, the so-called dirt can be interpreted as an art. I would like to believe that these kids who compose at walls, armchairs, comfort rooms and all other places they can write on, are students who seek to find ways to discover themselves and express their thoughts. I do not say that vandalism is a right act, but as for me, I think we should just let them; unless they start writing on their classmates’ uniform, of course. Most of the students are afraid to express their thoughts because they do not want to be judged by this society.

Second, when I was on their age, no assertion or so, I know that you go to school for baon.

Even I, I used that reason to go to school every day. It is a win-win situation. I go and listen to my classes, I have baon and learn my lessons; my parents would provide me money to purchase what I want and what I need, while my professors feed me the information and understanding that I will apply on the future. When I was still a student, my parents and I had a deal that if I miss out a school day, I will not be permitted to play outdoors on the weekend and I would not be given even a single cent. Done deal. I realized, right then, that the allowance given by our parents is a good motivator – because it persuaded me to be up early in the morning and prepare myself for a long school day. Furthermore, who likes to stay at home and do household chores? As a parent myself, I still use this trick to my daughters, for them to be eager to learn and find a way or motivation to go to school every day.

As the final reason why now and then wish I could go back to my schooldays repeatedly is the undeniable fact that we produce the best connections and interactions we could ever have within the school grounds. Apart from learning the most uncomplicated ABCs and 123s; the shapes and colors; plus, many other things, we also acquire to make friends with our seatmates, to connect with our teachers, to play puns with the staff, to get closer to our siblings (or cousins), and to thank our parents even more for giving us the chance and the privilege to study and go to school.

Not every single teenager is fortunate enough to have his right for schooling– some children envy us because we go to school. Others dreamed to wear our shoes on and swap lives with us. We must value everything we have especially education because it is the greatest gift that our parents gave to us.

I really do wish that it is not too late for me to give back to the people, the school and the skills that influenced my being a person: from student to teacher to being confidante (optimistically) and working as second parents to my students.

These grants, I will make them understand to learn and love.

--oOo-

The author is T-III at Magalang Elementary School, Magalang South District,

Magalang, Pampanga