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Special Program in Journalism, RV Sanchez Street, San Miguel (2026)

03/10/2026

SPJ Patrol - Teacher's Day Celebration Interview Coverage Part 2 | October 3, 2026

SPJ Patrollers: Bea Nonado, Franceanna Sainz, Francheska Samulde, Eidelweiss Taborete & Krisnah Con-el
Scriptwriter: James Canitan
Videographer: Jannah Judicpa
Editor: Aljur John Almohanid

03/10/2026

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | Notes of Dedication, A Ray of Hope

A simple strum of a string can create a beautiful melody, but for Mrs. Beverlie Ray M. Almeñana, music creates more than just sound—it creates lessons, memories, and inspiration.

Mrs. Almeñana is a MAPEH teacher at Leonora S. Salapantan National High School. She handles Grade 8 learners and also serves as the adviser of Las Cuerdas de San Miguel, the school’s rondalla group. She has been teaching for almost eight years.

Her love for music inspired her to become a teacher. She wanted her students to appreciate music while learning to play rondalla instruments such as the bandurria, octavina, laud, and guitar, as well as to read musical notes.

For her, one of the best parts of teaching is seeing her students improve. Students who once said, “Ma’am, I can’t do it,” eventually learned to play entire pieces. Some former students even continued playing rondalla in college or became teachers themselves.

However, her journey has also been met with challenges. The rondalla group experienced a lack of instruments, strings, picks, and microphones. Student commitment was also difficult at times.

Some people also thought that rondalla was old-fashioned or only for older people. Mrs. Almeñana wanted to change this perception by showing students that rondalla is an important part of Filipino culture and can also be fun and exciting.

One of her most memorable experiences was when her students were invited to perform even though they did not have enough instruments. They borrowed instruments from different municipalities and performed in front of their parents and guests outside the school.

To motivate her students, Mrs. Almeñana lets them hold an instrument and play a simple tune. Once they hear themselves making music, they become more interested in learning. Through rondalla, she also teaches discipline, respect, teamwork, and love for Filipino culture.

Teaching has taught Mrs. Almeñana patience and responsibility. She believes that she is not only teaching music but also helping pass Filipino musical heritage on to the next generation. Her greatest achievement is seeing her former students continue playing rondalla and sharing what they have learned with others.

Her message to students is simple: “Don’t be afraid to try. You don’t need to be good right away. Keep playing, keep learning.”

Through every note and every student she teaches, Mrs. Almeñana continues to strike a chord—not only in music, but also in the lives of the young people she inspires.

✍🏼 Princess Del Rosario, SPJ 9 Ravenclaw

03/10/2026

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | "I’ll Lean" 'Til Learners Learn

Sometimes, all a student needs is a single teacher who believes in them. At Leonora S. Salapantan National High School, Ma’am Ilyn Fuentes is that anchor—always ready to listen, offer a compassionate ear, and remind her students to keep moving forward. Through her encouraging words and unwavering support, she helps her learners realize their worth and capability, especially when self-doubt creeps in.

As she warmly puts it: “Ako isa ka teacher nga nagpalangga, nag-intindi, kag nagpati sa ila abilidad sang mga tion nga bisan sila mismo wala naga-pati sa ila kaugalingon.” (I am a teacher who loved, understood, and believed in their abilities at times when even they didn't believe in themselves.)

One memory Ma’am Ilyn will never forget involves a student who was frequently absent and falling behind on schoolwork. Wanting to understand the root cause rather than issue reprimands, she decided to conduct a home visit. What she found was a young boy carrying a heavy emotional burden—living with his elderly grandparents while his father worked far away and his mother was no longer present. Overwhelmed by his circumstances, the student was struggling mentally and withdrawing from the world inside his room.

“Ginpilit ko gid nga ma-estorya sya, para mabal-an ko kung ano ang rason nga a pirme sya absent. Didto ko sya na-intindihan kag nag-promise ako nga buligan ko sya,” she recalled. (I really pushed to talk to him so I could understand why he was always absent. That was when I truly understood his situation, and I promised to help him.)

Instead of judging, Ma’am Ilyn chose deep empathy. Every weekend, she visited his home, bringing her own laptop so he could catch up on missed activities and avoid failing his subjects. Her relentless dedication paid off: today, that same student is thriving in college, stepping closer to his dreams with every passing day.

Teaching, however, comes with daily hurdles. Ma’am Ilyn constantly works with diverse personalities and varying learning needs—some students grasp concepts quickly, while others require extra patience and tailored support. To keep everyone engaged, she incorporates interactive games, group presentations, and outdoor experiments into her curriculum.

For her, learning should never feel like a chore: “Ang pagtuon dapat sadya para mangin interesting sa mga bata. Kon naga-enjoy sila sa mga educational games kag activities, mas dali nila matandaan ang leksyon kag indi sila matak-an mag-eskwela.” (Learning should be fun so it stays interesting for the children. When they enjoy educational games and activities, they retain the lesson faster and won't tire of going to school.)

Beyond her role in the classroom, Ma’am Ilyn juggles the demands of being a devoted mother of three. Before heading off to school each morning, she ensures her children are well-fed and prepared for the day. Balancing school obligations with family responsibilities isn't always easy, but she constantly finds ways to cherish every moment with her family.

Her own path to becoming an educator was paved with hardship. Education was not originally her first choice; she enrolled in the program simply because it was the most affordable option her family could manage. During college, she worked as a student assistant at the Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST) library. After graduating, she juggled reviewing for the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) while working at a money changer and serving as a marketing staff member at a local water station.

Through grit, determination, and prayer, she passed the LET and began teaching at a private school, waiting four patient years before finally securing a permanent position in a public school.

Though she entered the profession out of practicality, it didn't take long for her to fall completely in love with teaching. “Indi lang ini basta propesyon—ini ang akon tagipusuon,” she shared. (This isn't just a profession—it is my heart.)

Today, her greatest motivation remains her students. Watching them beam with excitement over a lesson instantly wipes away her fatigue. Nothing fills her with more pride than picturing her learners walking across the stage holding their diplomas.

To every student she continues to guide, Ma’am Ilyn leaves a simple, heartfelt message: “Never stop dreaming, no matter how hard life gets. Tuon gid kamo sing maayo para makatapos sang pag-eskwela, agod sa ulihi makabulig man kamo kay Nanay kag Tatay. Pinakaimportante sa tanan, pilion ninyo nga maging maayo nga tawo pirme. Nagasalig ako sa inyo ikasarang, kag ari lang si Teacher pirme nga naga-suporta sa inyo. I am so proud of you all.” (Study hard so you can finish school and help your mother and father. Most importantly, always choose to be a good person. I believe in your capabilities, and Teacher is always here supporting you.)

For Ma’am Ilyn Fuentes, teaching goes far beyond delivering lessons—it is a lifelong vow to understand, uplift, and believe in her students until they learn to believe in themselves.

✍️ Kirsten Kate Tadiaque, SPJ 9 Ravenclaw

03/10/2026

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | Cherry-shing Every Learner: Lenn-ing a Helping Hand

Behind every lesson taught in a classroom is an educator carrying a purpose that goes far beyond textbooks, activities, and grades. For one ESP (Edukasyon sa Pagpapakakatao) teacher, teaching is not simply a job—it is a daily opportunity to shape lives and help students become the best versions of themselves.

Her journey into education was sparked by a clear, heartfelt desire: to make a genuine difference. She has always believed that learning extends well beyond academic benchmarks. At its core, education is about helping students discover their hidden potential, build lasting confidence, and prepare for whatever lies ahead.

“Seeing students learn and grow gives me a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment,” she shares.

Over her years in the classroom, she has learned that no two students are identical. Each learner arrives with a unique blend of abilities, experiences, and personalities. Recognizing this diversity has taught her to practice patience, practice understanding, and remain adaptable in her approach.

For her, learning doesn't stop when the school bell rings at the end of the day. It is a continuous process that involves educators just as much as students. Every learner, obstacle, and everyday classroom moment offers teachers a chance to grow.

As an ESP teacher, her primary challenge is helping students realize that moral values shouldn't remain abstract ideas on a page or passive classroom discussions. They are meant to be lived out every day.

To bridge this gap, she bridges her lessons with real-world scenarios and encourages students to reflect deeply on their choices. Above all, she leads by example.

“Live what you teach,” she emphasizes, reminding her students that values gain true meaning only when translated into action.

To students who struggle academically or emotionally, her message is gentle yet firm: struggling is not failing. Setbacks are a natural part of growth, and no one should feel ashamed to ask for help or take things one step at a time. She regularly reminds them to avoid comparing their progress to others, as everyone walks their own path.

Most importantly, she wants her students to hold onto self-belief—to understand that mistakes are not dead ends, but stepping stones toward improvement.

When Teachers’ Day arrives, she sees the celebration as far more than a ceremonial tribute. It serves as a vital reminder of the role educators play in guiding young minds, as well as a moment to honor the support systems that keep teachers grounded along the way. For her, it is a time to reflect on both the weight and the privilege of her calling.

Even on the tough days, her students remain her greatest spark. Watching them overcome hurdles, make quiet progress, and celebrate their small wins brings her right back to why she chose this path.

Often, it isn't grand milestones that make the work meaningful. A quiet “thank you,” a quick smile, or the sudden light in a student’s eyes when a concept finally clicks is all it takes to make the hard days worth it.

Looking back at who she was before stepping into the classroom, she shares the advice she wishes she could give her younger self:

“Be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey. Teaching brings many challenges, and there will be moments when you second-guess yourself. But with time, experience, and perseverance, you will see that every obstacle is helping you become a better teacher and a better person.”

Her perspective captures the essence of teaching—a journey anchored in patience, growth, and unwavering purpose. More than someone who delivers a curriculum, a real teacher becomes a guide, a role model, and a steadfast anchor when students need it most.

✍️ Lovely Jun Panaligan, SPJ 9 Ravenclaw

03/10/2026

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | Gatin’ Better Every Day: How Ma’am Juna Keeps Growing with Her Students

For some, teaching is simply a career. But for Ma’am Juna Macabuhay Gatin, it evolved into something far deeper—a true calling discovered through the very students she set out to guide.

Becoming an educator was never part of her original plan. Her journey actually began with a mother's quiet resolve: she wanted to understand how to nurture her toddler son’s abilities and help him develop key skills.

Yet, as she pursued her Diploma in Teaching, her perspective began to shift.

“My students opened my eyes to the deeper purpose of education and helped me grow as a person,” she reflects.

What started as a mother’s devotion to her child transformed into a lifelong passion for nurturing young minds—not just by imparting textbook knowledge, but by instilling wisdom her students could carry with them forever.

Throughout her career, Ma’am Juna has built countless cherished memories, but one class holds a special place in her heart.

In the wake of the pandemic, she took charge of an advisory class filled with diverse personalities and backgrounds. She candidly describes it as one of her most chaotic and challenging assignments.

Yet, amid the friction, transformation unfolded. She watched her students gradually learn to cooperate, support one another, and grow together. The experience reinforced a core belief: with care, empathy, and patience, students can overcome any hurdle and stay on track toward their goals.

Teaching, however, always brings its trials. One of her ongoing challenges is guiding Grade 7 students as they make the turbulent transition into high school life.

Rather than relying on strict authority, Ma’am Juna focuses on connection. She makes a point to listen, observe, and engage in open conversation. Through these simple yet intentional acts, she uncovers the unique needs of each learner and guides them accordingly.

While she spends her days teaching lessons inside the classroom, her students teach her lessons she never anticipated.

They have shown her the power of patience, honesty, and perseverance, serving as a daily reminder that being an educator means continuously learning and evolving alongside your class.

“Through my Grade 7 learners, I realized that even amid challenges, frustrations, and chaos, learning must continue—and life must go on.”

For her, those tough days aren't roadblocks; they are gentle reminders that progress takes time, courage, and unwavering determination.

When asked what legacy she hopes to leave behind years from now, her answer is grounded and selfless.

“My apologies… but as I have matured, I’ve come to realize that being remembered is no longer important to me. What truly matters is seeing my learners achieve their dreams and reach their full potential.”

For Ma’am Juna, simply knowing she played a part in their growth is more than enough to feel fulfilled.

Her story serves as a poignant reminder that an educator's true impact cannot be measured by lesson plans, quizzes, or grades. It is reflected in the confidence a child builds, the values they absorb, and the dreams they dare to chase.

What began as a personal quest ended up defining her life’s work. And for Ma’am Juna, the ultimate reward of teaching isn't holding onto the past—it’s watching her students step confidently into their future.

This Teachers’ Day, her journey reminds us all: behind every student who dares to dream is a teacher who first believed in them.

✍️ Ma. Alexandra Almo, SPJ 9 Ravenclaw

03/10/2026

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | Beyond Mathematics: Sir Angelo’s Angles

Teaching is more than standing in front of a classroom and explaining lessons. Behind every teacher is a story of dedication, inspiration, and challenges. For Sir Angelo S. Falcarrina, a Grade 10 Mathematics teacher, teaching is an opportunity to share knowledge and help shape the next generation.

When asked about what he enjoys most about being a teacher, Sir Angelo said that he enjoys sharing his knowledge with the younger generation and helping them become successful. For him, teaching is not only about Mathematics but also about helping students achieve their goals.

His decision to become a teacher was inspired by his mother, who wanted to have a child who would become a teacher. Her influence encouraged Sir Angelo to pursue the profession and begin his journey as an educator.

Sir Angelo started teaching during the 2025–2026 school year. He has been in the service for one year so far. Although he is still relatively new to the profession, he has already experienced some of the challenges that come with teaching.

One of the challenges, according to him, is encountering different behaviors among students. Teachers need patience and understanding because every student has a unique personality and way of learning.

Aside from student behavior, Sir Angelo also shared another struggle: being bombarded with school forms, which can add to the workload of teachers. These responsibilities add to the demands of the profession beyond classroom teaching.

Despite these challenges, Sir Angelo continues to teach and share his knowledge with his students. His experience shows that being a teacher is not only about teaching lessons—it is about inspiring students, facing challenges, and helping the younger generation succeed.

✍🏼 Mark Andrew Dionesio & John Levic Magbanua

02/10/2026

𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗡 | Aborde sa Pangalan, Aabante sa Kaalaman

Bawat isa sa atin ay may pangarap na trabaho. Bata pa lamang tayo, mayroon na tayong nais na maging propesyon balang araw, sapagkat nais nating makatulong sa mga nangangailangan. O hindi kaya, may isang taong nagbigay-inspirasyon at humikayat sa atin kaya natin pinili ang trabahong iyon. Kagaya ng lahat, si Richel Aborde, isang g**o ngayon, ay minsan ding nangarap na magkaroon ng magandang trabaho.

Ngunit sa hindi inaasahang ikot ng kanyang buhay, ang napili niyang propesyon ay hindi nagmula sa isang pangarap noong bata pa siya. Sa halip, nag-ugat ito sa isang pagsubok sa Physics na kailangan nilang sagutan noong nasa high school pa lamang siya. Sa kasamaang-palad, mababa ang kanyang nakuhang grado. Dahil dito, humiram siya ng libro at paulit-ulit na nag-aral hanggang sa maunawaan niya ang mga nakasulat dito.

Dahil sa hamon na kanyang hinarap at sa tulong ng kanyang g**o, ang mga tanong sa papel na hindi niya nasagutan nang tama ay unti-unti niyang naunawaan. Para sa kanya, naging madali na lamang ang mga ito. Kaya pagpasok niya sa kolehiyo, pinili niya ang Physics bilang kanyang major dahil para sa kanya, kaya niya itong matutuhan basta pag-aaralan niya ito nang mabuti.

Pagkatapos ng kolehiyo at nang maging opisyal na siyang g**o, sinalubong niya ng kaba ang kanyang unang trabaho. Hindi niya alam kung paano sasagutin ang mga tanong na ibinabato sa kanya ng mga estudyante. Ngunit habang tumatagal, natutuhan na rin niyang sagutin nang buong kumpiyansa ang mga tanong na hindi niya agad nasasagot mula sa kanyang mga mag-aaral.

Ang pagiging g**o para kay Richel ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagtuturo kundi pati na rin sa pag-aalaga sa mga estudyanteng nangangailangan at humihingi ng tulong. Minsan, kailangan ding tumulong sa kanilang mga pangangailangan, mula sa pag-aaral hanggang sa kanilang mga personal na problema. Hindi mo maaasahan kung kailan magbabahagi ang isang mag-aaral tungkol sa kanyang personal na buhay, kaya mahalagang naroon ang g**o upang makinig, tumulong, at gumabay.

“For me, teacher is helping the young minds to become successful for them to be able to become a globally competitive learner, wherein bisan diin sila ibutang, diin sila ka lab-ot, they will be able to survive,” sabi ni Richel.

Para sa kanya, ang pagtuturo ay isang gabay patungo sa kinabukasan. Sa bawat maliliit na yapak ng kanilang mga mag-aaral, kailangan silang gabayan tungo sa mas malawak na mundo.

At kahit gaano man kahirap ang trabaho, basta makita lamang ni Richel na nagsisikap at nag-aaral nang mabuti ang kanyang mga estudyante, hindi niya mapipigilang ngumiti nang may paghanga. Kahit sa simpleng kilos lamang, natutuwa siya dahil ginagawa ng kanyang mga estudyante ang lahat ng kanilang makakaya upang matuto.

Mula sa unang araw niya bilang bagong g**o na hindi alam kung kakayanin ba niya ang mga pagsubok na darating, hanggang sa ngayon na mayroon na siyang dalawampung taong serbisyo sa pagtuturo, si Richel ay hindi lamang basta-bastang g**o. Siya ay dating estudyanteng humarap sa isang hamon sa klase, piniling matuto at umunawa, at kalaunan ay naging g**o na gumagabay naman sa iba tungo sa kaalaman.

✍🏼 Princess Ashly Salarda

02/10/2026

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | Regina’s Reign of Care and Passion

For Ma’am Regina R. Caoyonan, becoming a teacher was a dream shaped by her experiences as a student. She remembers how her teachers trusted her with responsibilities such as recording and computing grades and writing on the board. These experiences helped her develop leadership skills, responsibility, and confidence, while inspiring her to guide and help others.

One of her favorite parts of being a teacher is being called “Teacher” or “Ma’am.” For her, these simple words represent the trust and respect given by her learners. They remind her to continue teaching with dedication, patience, and love.

Her most memorable moments are the times when she sees her learners improve and succeed. Seeing their progress makes the challenges of teaching worthwhile. Even small moments, such as calling them “anak” and hearing them laugh, bring her happiness.

Caoyonan also sees teaching as a privilege and an opportunity to lead and inspire others. She values the respect she receives and appreciates the opportunities that come with being a government employee. Most importantly, she remembers the struggling learners she once helped. Although she also faced struggles along the way, she never gave up on them.

Today, some of those learners have become workers and parents, while others continue their education through the Alternative Learning System (ALS). She hopes they enjoy the paths they have chosen and continue to find purpose, happiness, and success in life.

Through her experiences, Regina R. Caoyonan shows that being a teacher is more than simply teaching lessons. It is about guiding, inspiring, believing in learners, and, above all, never giving up on them.

✍🏼 Jabez Andrei Cularte, SPJ 8 Hufflepuff

02/10/2026

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | TeaCHUing From a Calling

He never planned to become a teacher.

For Sir Chu, teaching was not the career he dreamed of. He once imagined himself working in the world of technology—as a web designer, programmer, or computer networking specialist. Yet somehow, the path he never chose became the path he continues to walk.

“I never wanted to be a teacher. Maybe it’s my calling,” he said.

A senior high school teacher, footballer, cyclist, gamer, and believer, Sir Chu is more than the person students see inside the classroom. His journey into education began with a family of educators and, most importantly, with his grandfather, who became one of his greatest inspirations.

Even while taking education units as a student, teaching was not something he had deliberately chosen for himself. Eventually, however, his college degree led to an assignment from the school’s senior high school coordinator.

He had little choice in the subject he would teach. What began without a deliberate choice gradually became something much deeper: a purpose.

For Sir Chu, being a teacher is not simply about standing in front of a class and delivering lessons. He believes teachers help shape the dreams of the students they teach.

He sees teachers as “moulders” of students’ dreams and futures. That belief is reflected in the way he views his students. Rather than expecting every student to excel in the same way, he recognizes that each one possesses different abilities and areas where they can become confident.

Every student, he believes, has their own path.

That perspective has also shaped his definition of success. For him, success is not simply about achievements. It is about character, kindness, perseverance, and the positive difference a person makes in the lives of others.

His most rewarding moments as a teacher come from seeing his students achieve their goals and, more importantly, seeing them happy with where they are going.

One of his most memorable experiences came not from a traditional classroom lesson, but from the field. Winning gold at the CDSA II Meet in the futsal event held in Leon became a moment he carried with him as a teacher and coach. For Sir Chu, sports are more than an activity outside the classroom. They are another way to help students discover what they are capable of.

Beyond school, his life reflects the same variety he brings to his role. He plays football, rides bicycles, plays FIFA, enjoys a cup of hot coffee—and, when given the chance, sleeps.

Yet behind the relaxed personality is someone who admits that teaching can be difficult. Peer pressure and heavy workloads can test him, but he returns to the reason he believes he is where he is. When difficult days come, his response is simple: breathe and relax.

His faith also plays an important role in how he handles life’s uncertainties.

“Let go and let God” is one of the values he tries to bring into his classroom. Rather than worrying about everything, he encourages his students to slow down and trust that their lives will unfold according to God’s purpose. Perhaps that is also why he does not want his students to feel pressured to have everything figured out immediately.

“My greatest achievement is not what I teach, but the lives I touch and the difference I make.” He does not expect anything in return from his students. Instead, he continues because of the purpose that brought him here.

And perhaps that is the unexpected story of Sir Chu’s career: he did not choose teaching at first, but somewhere along the way, teaching became more than a profession.

It became a calling.

Today, he hopes to leave a lasting impact by helping students discover their potential—not only through education, but also through sports and meaningful experiences.

The career he never planned may have become the very purpose he was looking for.

“Success is not measured only by achievements, but also by the character, kindness, and perseverance you show along the way. Above all, keep your faith in God and use your gifts to make a positive difference in the lives of others.” He believes that every student can excel—may it be in education, sports, or something entirely different.

He never planned to teach, but teaching became his call—helping every student rise, discover, and stand tall.

✍🏼 Lou Hersheys Lamprea, SPJ 9 Ravenclaw

02/10/2026

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | From Detour to Destiny: The Unplanned Journey of Ma’am Clovy

Somewhere in a corner of Leonora S. Salapantan National High School near the Senior High School building, there is a humble, warm-felt, open-hearted, and welcoming teacher whose genuine presence instantly puts students at ease, making any room feel like home. This is Mrs. Clovy Camille Ocampo, adviser of Grade 12-Stevia, adviser for the Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG), and a coach in Wushu Sanda Secondary sports. Not only does she teach with dedication and lead with great responsibility, but her approachable demeanor and supportive guidance make her a deeply trusted mentor among both students and colleagues.

Back in 2013, she was just an ordinary student at Iloilo National High School. She wasn’t earning a lot of accolades or chasing top academic honors, but was instead thriving in the simple, everyday moments that made her high school experience unforgettable. Placed in the school’s higher sections, she was just an easy-going teenager who was always late to her classes. Even her tardiness led to a failing mark in Araling Panlipunan, and AP wasn’t her only hurdle; she struggled with Mathematics and Science as well.

Despite her academic stumbles and tardiness, she was never invisible. “I was not exactly the teacher’s favorite student, but it’s safe to say I was probably my classmates’ favorite classmate,” she shares.

She was the one who could form genuine friendships with almost anyone. Looking back, she realizes she stood out not through trophies, but through the deep, lasting connections she forged along the way.

Among all her subjects, English was her undisputed sanctuary. It was where she felt most in her element, finding deep satisfaction in reading captivating stories, refining her communication skills, perfecting her grammar, and discovering comfort through the language she loved most.

However, after graduating high school and preparing for college, life introduced a sudden detour. Her parents discouraged her from pursuing Education, steering her instead toward a degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance.

Yet, life has a way of redirecting us toward our true purpose. The passion for teaching that took root during her high school years never truly faded; it simply took a longer route. Eventually, she made the leap out of corporate life and straight into the classroom.

“Becoming a teacher wasn’t really a new dream,” Mrs. Ocampo shares. “It was an old dream that simply took a different route before finally finding its way back to me.”

Today, as she guides the student leaders of the SSLG and mentors her Grade 12-Stevia class, her journey serves as a living lesson for every teenager sitting in her room trying to figure out their next step. She leaves every young mind searching for their place in the world with a comforting reminder that no journey is ever truly wasted, and no dream is ever truly lost.

“It’s okay not to have everything figured out yet. Don’t be afraid if your journey doesn’t go exactly as planned. Your first choice doesn’t have to be your final destination. Keep learning, explore your options, and trust the process because sometimes, the path you never planned is the very one that leads you right where you belong.”

✍🏼 Joebie Zyrel Tumalay, 9 SPJ Ravenclaw

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