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2022SEPTEMBER
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Some students were happy because they might say, "At last, we are free, and we can do what we want at home.", but still they suffered from loneliness because they were prohibited to go outside and have bonding with their friends and classmates Teachers, we are indeed a helping hand for them, we have been witnessed the torment and the agony they have been through We cannot just say that even though modular or online or even hybrid modality they should perform. Of course not! These are human beings who were fed different milk; who were raised in different culture; who were trained in different discipline. We cannot compare them They are in dark times of their life in terms of education. We need to show them that our hands are a light that can lead them go out with this darkness in their lives A helping hand that will lead them towards success. A hand that will help them rise once they fall.
Hand, it is just one part of our body, but it carries a lot of responsibility. The moment we were pulled out from our mother's womb, the Doctor or the Midwife used their hands It is the first part that touches our body. When our mom took us from them, she used her bare hands and carried us with her arms These very hands were used to help us crawl, and slowly guide us to stand straight. It helps us to eat, it helps us to drink and even scratch some parts of our bodies when it is itchy. These hands can also be used to discipline and correct others just be cautious on how to use them in right timing This time, in this very writing, I want to use this very part of our body to give a very simple, yet very meaningful analogy in helping our students A helping hand for our post Pandemic students or learners. The COVID 19 taught us a lot of things. It revealed how unprepared we are once pandemic came to our country. It taught us how important the interaction is in terms of learning. Most of students suffered in having gaps with their academics even those students who are considered as the smartest one in their school.
Studying is not a race because if you deal with it as a race, you will get tired easily. Other people in a race don't care with their competitors, but this is like a marathon It doesn't matter if you go first or last. 4
The most important thing is you finish with your race with integrity and run through all the task. No skipping and no abandoning. We should cross the bridge together. As a teacher that is my perspective. You will and you must not go alone, we should be together, although I should not spoon fed the students, but I should let them feel that they are accepted and not rejected. We are a helping hand not just by adding up information to their mind, but we are also a hand that will embrace them to let them feel the real wisdom that comes from our heart. You can finish with flying colors by all means do it, but if there are no honors, don't ever be discouraged, I will still be here for you and I will tell you that medals will soon be rusted, but your experiences and legacy that might impact other's lives will be remembered and transferred. Be a helping hand not because it is our job, but it is our passion and Therefore,calling. this kind of process on our end is really necessary We are indeed playing an important role for them to learn at the maximum level they can, but we hope that these sacrifices on our part will be paid of by the good product of learning within the school year. You don’t need to be the best student of the year, just do your best and everything will be well. Moreover, the teachers are a helping hand to give you a glimpse of what is your future to come because in what you are doing today, dictates your tomorrow, if you did not give your very best in study soon you will surely reap of that action, an action that you will regret for the rest of your life. With this in mind, let us work together in building your good future I know someday you will forget me, but at least our legacy will last 5
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When we were young, we try to do the task of closing and opening our hands. We are doing it together with the laughter by the command of an adult in front of us. It was indeed a nice gesture from the infant that helps us to brighten our day.
When we try to look at our hands, are we trying to look at ourselves on how many people we try to give our hand? As what Nelson Mandela said, “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it” Do our hands makes better world? Are we trying to open our hands for those who are in need? If we are always holding to fear, the fear of giving our hands to other people we can never know how much gain we will have in the future. The secret of treasure and success is through giving what is on our hand to other people May we always be reminded by Billy Graham that God gives us two hands, one to receive with and the other one to give with. One of the greatest things about our bodies as a human is that our parts of the body are always aligned with a partner, two eyes, two ears, two feet and two hands. This symmetry of the human body makes one when being attached. The hand when lifting something heavy cannot lift it right away, but with two hands and with the hands of others the burden will not bring any heaviness on the other body parts. Yes, people are not always alike with another people, but our symmetrical body reminds us that we can share the other one to the other people to make a difference on their current situation, more listening less talking, more hugs and less on being burden to people. The pandemic reveals many hands The help from the 7
From this scenario, we have seen how many of us discover that we can really feel delighted by just the opening of the hand of an infant. True enough, small things matter when it comes to the happiness of a Whileperson.theopening of the hands of an infant makes us delighted, the hands of an adult make someone delighted by opening the hands to become an instrument of blessing to others. The hand that serves a candle in the middle of darkness makes someone be able to surpass the storm. A hand that cares make someone believe to dream again. A genuine hand and a careful thought make a person realize that being valued is not expensive. How can we manage things when we don’t have hands? They are really our partners in everything Our hands can show our health status, in the medical field, hands are used to determine the vitamin deficiencies of human being Hands help us to manipulate the things that we can do. How can we lift things if we don’t have hands to carry all the baggage that we have? With the sharing of our hands to others, we can also share lightness to other people. Someone in an area of being burdened can calm by holding the hand It was a right hand who can help us not to faint against the monsters of our world.
middle of the virus era helps many people to overcome the starvation and the depression from the different viruses of the mind. Different hands are making the world more peaceful to live. The learning institutions suffer more in the situation within pandemic, students are trying to cope up with the system of the distance learning and they are gearing with the everyday tasks given to them. As an educator in the pandemic era, a hand that carries the learners to surpass everyday lives is really a big challenge. To open the minds of the learners while at home is really an extra hand to carry it all. I must admit that to be able to help on the students, you really need to have a hand that flows, hands that flows in happiness and love. Whatever ages we might be, our hands give happiness to people. Our closing and opening of hands as an infant make other people happy. The opening of our helping hand when we are an adult makes the world better to live. I hope the next time we touch the hand of someone, we are ready to flow blessings upon them. 8
Pandemic is still around after all the quarantines and lockdowns that we experienced and for the students to cope up with this struggle times, they need the hand of stakeholders, teachers, and parents in order to continue their education. It was March 2020 when all the drastic changes happened in the way of life and into the educational system in our country. We had tried many strategies depending on the alert level in our town specifically in our school the Noveleta National High school where we practiced a helping hand to meet the needs of our students. We conducted stake holders and parent’s orientation in informing them the modality of the learning delivery that we are going to use in order for them to provide the necessary assistance that they can give. The stakeholders consisting of Municipal and Barangay officials provided us assistance in disinfection and cleaning of classrooms and areas in the school. They donated alcohol, face mask, liquid soap and gloves They provided group of people that would assist us in controlling the huge number of people that going in and out of the school. They helped the school in cleaning, painting and making every corner, a conducive place for students When the alert level 1 was announced, stake holders are there in helping our school in the progressive face to face classes, they even helped us in our Reading Remediation done in each barangay. Teachers who are doing the home visits are also assisted by barangay officials in reaching the students that are lagging Parentsbehind.arethe hands on teachers of the students who are having the modular type of learning. They play a vital role in every task given to the students. Most of the parents became the tutor of their children since most of the communication to teachers are virtual or on line, the parents are the teachers at home Parents are the partner who get the modules and learning tasks distributed at school and they are the people who will submit the outputs since the minors are not allowed to go out based on given restrictions that require vaccination and age limit Fortunately, on the later part of this year they are given a chance to go out and attended a limited face to face classes Parents are guided by the teachers on the phasing and details of the modules and learning pocket for them to guide their children into the right track 9
Parents are responsible in prompt submission of outputs of their children that’s why constant reminder at home is needed and students study habits must be implemented at home by their parents The time they will spent answering modules must be monitored by their parents or guardian. Teachers are in the front line in lending a huge hand for each student amidst this pandemic times. In our school we implemented Project TUTOK that aims to focus on the needs of the students. Teachers printed materials such as modules, activity sheets, assessments, performance task and quizzes Materials are given weekly and retrieved the following week. We returned the checked outputs on time and conducted surveys and parents feedbacking form to immediately respond to the needs of students and parents. We identified students who are lagging behind, students at risks and students who are performing in advance to give them necessary interventions Students who are lagging behind are given intervention activities through home visits and guide them on their difficulties. Students at risks who are not responding on any phone calls and follow up are given much time to accomplished their task and home visitation are always conducted by teachers. Since cases of students are always different from each other such as some of them are working, most of them don’t have any access to internet and never had a gadget like laptop or cellphone to use in order to have an on line access to materials, learning resources and to teachers. The teachers are flexible enough to adjust in every type of students. On line and synchronous classes are done as well as asynchronous Printed modular type of learning are also maximized to meet the needs of this pandemic time learners The strong communication of stakeholders and the school are necessary, the bind and dedication of parents and teachers have great effect on the student success and the commitment of teachers to deliver quality service are the spirt of helping hand that offers an opportunity to the students to continue and to succeed despite the pandemic. Those people who are an advocate of cooperation and unity must always be ready and in service of the students They are the members of the community that plays a vital role in delivering the quality education and quality service that is timely and relevant among our students 10
There’s a lot of things and things that you can do, affect, influence, if you have such a good and healthy relationship to someone which will make an excellent inspiration and motivation to make good things in between, or somewhat make a whole lot of difference in every ways, which is really good to hear and to experience, I bet others will do, because another one will realize how powerful good relationship is, especially to every people globally, you know, keeping good things in mind maturely to have a good social life between people that surrounds you every day. Luckily, we, young individuals as well as leaders, can have a better relationship to make a dream work for the sake of successful and efficient work around society, and the factors that build this wonderful group that unites in order to make world a better place for everyone, especially to the ones who deserve this, they will be very happy if they have the reason to get their best to top, aren't they?
One of them is building a good relationship between students and school leaders (ex. Teacher, principal, etc.), more likely to keep if you are still studying in a school like me this year and more years to come through our lifetime. Having a good and healthy relationship to your school leaders as a student is a must, and vice versa because you will earn a lot of benefits, pros, advantages, etc Take note that a good relationship makes things easier, and everyone should be the embodiment of this quote, hope you all will do it, everyone knows that it’s for majority’s best from this social based society for more efficient work ahead of them, especially inside learning institutions. Me personally, as a student, doesn’t find easy to even communicate to my teacher as well as principals, so that’s why nothing happens to be honest. Learn from my situation, you shouldn’t let your personality swallow you inside a box and stay there forever, labelling it as your “safe zone”, “ comfort zone”, try to step out and learn how to socialize, you will know how much importance there is having relationship to someone, life is simple, do not make it so complicated, it’s all about from you before other people, you can’t stay alive and happy just by yourself, how would you make a difference if you can’t even make your first step? So, before you graduate, in order to have a good school and social life, learn how to socialize to school leaders better good in every way, every progress.
Just simply having a simple conversation to your teacher, or better, to your principal, even you as a school leader, you should check your students up to see if they can feel good about you, if they are, then very good, that’s such a good step to continue your goals for efficacy and efficiency of work and make you students, as well as you school leader, be productive to accomplish in school, in certain purposes And being a student, learn how to pay respect and treatment to your teacher, they are working hard just to teach you better good, so be kind to them as a good payback to them In order to make an impactful relationship in between and that’s a very great achievement to be 11
The protective hands. Young as they are, learners can be easily persuaded and mislead They can be lured into tempting choices that could ruin their future. They need to filter all the doors that are opened. They have to discern which of these are true and which are deceitful They can only do so with the help of elders and teachers who can help them choose wisely. A hand that reaches to help the child make prudent decisions leads them to the right path and protects them from the harm of this world.
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The reassuring hand. Sometimes we do not have to do anything We just have to be by the person’s side
The giving hand. It cannot be denied that we all had a personal crisis during the pandemic Most of us were financially challenged. But when we look at the learners, we could find many who are struggling way the learners Let us be to them, a helping hand more than we are. I am certain that seeing their situation would melt our hearts and we could not remain unmoved Our own personal crisis should not be a reason for not helping out. Also, what matters is not the quantity of help, but the thought of helping A hand that reaches out to give brings joy to anyone in need.
Most learners, if not all, have gone through immeasurable challenges during the pandemic These students suddenly had to take a paradigm shift in studying and were forced to embrace the “new normal” system of education I, as a teacher, stand as a witness to the learners’ struggles especially to those with parent absentees or those who had to independently work on their own just to pass through the given academic year. I could picture a child buried in a pile of academic tasks with only his raised hand seen as if crying out for help This scenario remains the same even as the health crisis in the world is on its way to a resolution. As schools continue to implement a non traditional set up of learning, many students are seeking for support and are waiting for hands to reach out to them. We could be those hands in different ways The guiding hand. As learners are at a loss of what might come on their way or of what could and should be done It is important that there should be someone to lead and guide them to make the right choices and to act with sound reasoning. These students are still young and could not grasp the repercussions entailed by their actions. Thus, they still need a hand to lead them in taking the right direction The healing hand. Learners also had their share of pain during the pandemic This can be from losing a love one or from being abandoned by a love one. Such hurts can also be due to failure or disappointment Students might be young, but they also have emotions and they also need healing. No matter how small or great the pain is, healing comes when a hand starts to reach out to help The encouraging hand. Learners are full of fears and inhibitions. These hinders their progress and stops them from exploring their potentials, taking adventures and moving on to the next level. Fear freezes and stagnates their growth. This eventually results to lack of self confidence and loss of desire to achieve. Yet, if someone comes to the rescue and helps them believe in their capabilities; if someone makes them realize that risks are opportunities to discover what they can do; and if a hand reaches out and encourages them to try and discover possibilities; then, a great and exciting future awaits them.
If we look closely at the world today, you will discover countless means, methods, plans and ways on how people live and survive during the Pandemic.
The system of education all over the world has been affected much in the coming of the Pandemic Locked down pro longed the closures of schools, a number of students have been forced to stay home while schools have remained closed Distance learning modalities were introduced in order to ensure the continuity of education among our students, which involve technology and internet connection On this way, students can continue their education in remote setups through online/offline platforms, TV and radio, and printed modules These substitute means of education have also created concerns and issues which up to this moment have not been resolved. The use of on line modality is still limited to students in our schools, most of them have no access to computers or some may have, but with a very limited access due to lack of gadgets, and have only data to access the internet A lot of families are also struggling when only one gadget is available in the family for school, to be used not by one but two or more students at home and much pressure is also felt when a family member is required to work from home and still to use the same gadget that is used by the members of the family who are studying.
On line education, blended learning and other platforms may have been a great help for students to continue their studies but it is indeed a fact that all these methods cannot substitute the social and emotional learning like collaboration, critical and creative thinking, empathy, attention, care and concern, growing awareness and developing respect despite differences All of these are needed for an individual to be developed holistically. This time of Pandemic has really tested and challenged the role of teachers in reaching students, providing them quality and meaningful education and making them feel that their teachers are just here for Teachersthemhave to reflect on what have become our students now a days, they are no longer the students that we used to know, they have become aloof, they have learned to live by themselves without a teacher on their side, they have developed their own techniques of learning in order to survive education. They have really missed a lot of learning experiences inside the classroom. We believe that God has allowed these things to happen for a reason, a reason we may not understand but we have to keep our faith and continually to trust Him more 13
This is also the time when most of the students have just stayed home for more than two years, with their modules, lucky for those who have parents or relatives to assist and guide them in their studies but for those who have to learn by themselves and just by their own understanding of what the modules say, they have learned, lived and survived every school year that way. The opportunity for face to face interactions between teachers and students, which is now termed, “in person classes” have been given to some, but for those who have not been chosen, student’s life continues in the four corners of their home.
With all the negativity that this pandemic has brought to our lives, still HOPE has been seen, felt and has been shared We are able to find ways in order to bring back the smiles and the trust and confidence among our students. Since limited face to face classes our offered in schools and only for some, we extend our hands to reach our students who live in the Pilapil area in San Rafael III, Noveleta, Cavite We have felt the great joy in seeing their smiles, their laughers, and their happiness as we have taught them and shared also simple things from their teachers, .a way show to these students that we love them and their teachers also miss them so Amuchsimple way of showing that we love our learners and we are just here for them, we may not be able to provide all they need and bring back what they have lost in the past two years during this time of pandemic, but we are hoping with this continuous effort of teaching them, singing with them, listening to their stories, and spending time with them, we believe that we can create new happy memories that they will treasure and from this, we could prepare them in the opening of classes for this coming school Theyear Teaching and learning process is not just found at the four corners of a classroom. As a teacher, with the situation that we have now, the battle is not yet over, we really have to find ways to come out of our comfort zones and reach our students who are just waiting for us We have to be their hope and their light as we lead and guide them in reaching their dreams. These all can be done through the help of God, our provider of strength, wisdom and hope.
Continuation from page 12. With all uncertainties in life, it is quite comforting to know that someone is just there beside you to help you go through such stage in your life. This is what most learners need. They need to know that they are not alone. They need to be assured that they have a companion in life. They have to be reassured that there is someone by their side, holding their hand and helping them succeed and reach their goals. As the whole world heals from the pandemic, students should also be taken to the path of recovery As they raise their hands to cry for help, may there be someone who would reach out to guide, heal, encourage, give, protect and reassure them We do not need to be rich nor should we take a high ranking job. We just have to have the heart for others. As the famous American poet and writer, Aja Monet, stated, “May your(our) hands be an extension of your(our) heart and may you(we) do the work of love with them (the learners) ” Let us reach out to 14
Tobeahelpinghandinthistimeofnewnormalthatwearefacingisindeedabig challengeforbothteachersandstudents.Itisreallysomethingthatweneedtoface . Studentssufferedfromdeepemotionalandsocialconflictswithinthemselvesthatthey maynotbeawareofrightnow. Asateacher,Iandmyhusbandarereallydoingthingsthatwillhelpourstudents developtheirselfesteem.Playingbadminton,goingattheirhouses,andothers.With thissimpleactiongiveabigimpactontheirlivesasanindividual.Gettingtoknowwhat aretheirfeelingstodayisreallynecessarybecauseyouwillknowdeeplywhatistheheart oftheproblem . Letusalwaysbegentleindealingwiththemrightnow,imagineforthemorethantwo yearstheystayedoutoftheirusualwayofliving .Don’texpecttoomuchimmediately bothofusshouldfacethisendemichandbyhand.Beagenerousingivingtimetospend withthem,lessgadgetsandlesswordsofdiscouragement.Letusalsoslowlychangethe faceandletus nothurrybecausewemay misssomethingimportanton their developmentifweareinarush . Weshouldlookmeticulouslyineveryaspectoftheirlearningprocesses.Lookonwhat aretheproblemsthatourlearnersindealingwith.Itisverycrucialtokeenlyobservein thismatter . 15
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September 2022 18
Reach the stars
“When you right foot is incapable of stepping forward, let your left foot start the walking ,when your right hand is powerless used your left hand to reach your Asters, our weakness ,scantiness and deficiencies hurdle and Blur not the blazing triumph of a persevering person” Growing up, my parents always remind us to dream greater than our competencies and not be swayed by the ranges of storms that we will be facing. No matter how many failures and mistakes we may commit always find a solution or way to correct and upgrade them. In addition to this whenever we fell nor lost our track tap yourself and say it’s Okay you can stand still and redirect your way back to your trail JUST DON’T GIVE ON YOUR DREAMS. I personally stuffed this on my mind and my heart that truly helped me to be the best that I can be when I am student which allowed me to catch the brightest stars every end of school year. But then life isn’t always sweet, it isn’t always good times, the sun won’t always shine, the moon isn’t always gleaming and the stars we are trying to reach will not twinkle. Trials, failures, and mistakes were constantly in and out in our lives I was in my freshman’s year when I had a vehicular accident that fractured my left femur and be inserted with stainless steel to protect my broken bone My faith, my dreams, and my confidence shrunk, I came to a point that questioning?
The creator. of all the people inside the car, why me. Yet I recall what may parents told me so I decided not to finish the half year of my first year college and I will just start fresh in a new school.
Just as planned though I was not fully recovered and even if I was still in crutches I was never ashamed of entering the university. My crutches and my flaw didn’t made me quit, instead they lifted me to keep going and walk on a path where I could reach my dreams. The delay I experienced had boosted my Will power to grip the first star I wanted to have Many times that I encountered setbacks and ran into catastrophes but I always draw energy and encouragement from them. Multiple occasions that I tasted fiasco and frustrations yet I always dug into the silver lining within and often I was looking back to the reasons why I was doing all these or why I was exerting so much effort? And when you are greatly adamant in reaching your goals nothing would stop you. I was so gratified and fulfilled that I crossed the bridge of challenges and I was able to finish my trainings and opened the gate for the grandest voyage I will sail. For now, I am so proud and happy that despites of all the adversities, flops and fruitless seasons of my existence I am still here unwavering and steadfast on my journey to pick little by little each stars I dreamt to own. It may took me years to get them seated on my hands what matters most is I didn’t gave them up.19
Rita Gate, the Rock Star, who had created millions of her fans with her singing sensation is only 35 years old now. Today she is going to receive the most prestigious award "Star Of Stars" in a colourful ceremony of the entertainment industry. She is very excited as her passion for the singing made her a big star She looked into the mirror and sat in front of it. It took her to the old memories. "Rita Gate born to David Gate and Roma Gate. Rita was living with her parents and two siblings Rose and Joe in a small town Her father David was working in a transport company and mother was working in a beauty parlor. Her sister Rose is two years younger to her and brother Joe five years younger to her. Roma used to sing songs when all her family members used to sit for dinner together David and her children used to support and encourage her. Rita got inspired by her mother's singing and in the school she joined the singing class Both David and Roma encouraged her. When Rita was in class eight, she own the first prize in the singing competition of her school David and Roma inspired her and said to focus on singing and let that be her passion. Rita was very good looking girl in her school Her winning the competition made her classmate, the only daughter of a rich businessman Maria very jealous. Maria always wanted to tease Rita along with her boyfriends Many a times Rita used to object and complained to the principal. But the influence of Maria's father on school authorities had forced the principal to keep silent. When Rita was in class nine, one day while returning from the school alone, she was literally raped by Maria's friend Philip in the roadside. Maria and her friends laughed at her. Rita returned home crying and said everything to her mother Roma Rita was so much shocked that she kept herself imprisoned in her room.
Then David and Roma decided to leave that town and went to the city of entertainment. They wanted to keep Rita away from that nightmare. There David got the job of a mechanic in a garage. Both Rose and Joe went to a musical school, but Rita after been convinced by her parents went to a nearby school. She again started her singing class. One day while returning from school Rita saw the famous stars of film industry were doing a film shooting. She got excited and rushed to the place to see them and meet them. She was not allowed by the securities But when she broke the security and tried to reach the stars, she was caught and handed over to the police. Rita was punished by the juvenile court for two years imprisonment This news shocked David very much and after few months he died of heart attack. Roma with two kids became completely dumbfounded After six moths Roma left Rose and Joe in a orphanage and got married to another person. Rita kept her passion for singing alive in prison too. She was doing practice on her own poems After two years she was released. She came to her place and came to know about all that happened with her family. She never tried to contact her mother She went to meet Rose and Joe She assured them to get their dreams be achieved. She asked them to give some time. Rita got a job in a book shop. Their she met John, one of the musicians of famous Musical Band "Sensation ". Their friendship helped her to sing in different bars during evening. She started earning better reputation and money She stayed in a ladies hostel. Her singing made her more popular and she started singing in private parties too. Then she left her job in bookshop She shifted to her flat, she purchased She continued to sing like this for fifteen years. She helped Rose to be a doctor and Joe a journalist. During this period Rita met Jordan, the famous rock star She fell in love with him. Jordan gave her the first break to make her mega show. Then she made more and more shows and her solo singing had broken all records This success made her a famous Rock Star. Today she is going to receive the biggest award "Star Of Stars" from the superstars of film industry, for whom she was sent to the prison when she was only fifteen years old. She will be with all of them. All stars will reach her to congratulate With tears in her eyes and happiness she said to herself, " Thanks, your Passion Is Alive. " This had made her one among the stars. She wanted to thank her father David for his saying to her always "Never give up " The knock on her door made her to return from memory. "She opened her door and saw her manager there to escort her to the ceremony Rita sat in her car and made her way to the ceremony hall. 20
Yet, all this crazy stuff going on in the world today can’t be the creator’s purpose for creation. If it were so, there won’t be a sun, moon and stars shining their light over the earth Can you imagine a world without stars? The hosts of stars shining radiantly in the dark awaken us to the consciousness that chaos is not nature’s design for the human race. Not only do these stars light up the night sky, they are a source of inspiration. Stars can change people’s lives What is more thrilling and fascinating about stars is that they are the brightest when the night is darkest. There is no darkness that can snuff the light of a star The darker the night, the more luminous the stars. Think about it. All the problems in the world today can be blessings in disguise With all the darkness and chaos in the world, this is the time when stars are needed the most. Darkness calls for shinning stars. Without darkness there will be no need to shine a light Darkness is what makes stars shine radiantly. Our ethereal essence is to shine out of the darkness in the world We are beings with luminous souls and starlight spirits. Every cell in our bodies pulsates with stardust. We were made to shine in the midst of darkness We are the light of the world There is so much light that can emanate through us.
As Michael Jackson, one of the biggest stars to grace planet earth, said “No matter what, no star is too far to reach ” If you can find something you can do with your heart and soul, you can be the shining star in other people’s hearts. It’s all about living with passion 21
Right now, the world is going through hard times The human spirit is being entangled in a web of negativity and being drawn into gross darkness. Chaos everywhere Terrorism, economic crises, pandemics and wars have become the order of the day. People are slashing through the darkness, blinded by ignorance, prejudice and fear. The darkness is becoming so dense. There are millions of people around the world whose day has turned into a nightmare A growing number of people are suffering and shedding tears of anguish. The darkness is becoming darker because of apathy. Many people just sit there, looking sightlessly into the dark for a radiant star. The plight of mankind is becoming strange and scary to behold.
Darkness lingers as souls become darkened by lack of compassion. I have said elsewhere that “We are all born stars. However, no one becomes a shining star until they have displayed compassion for the victims of wickedness and darkness in the world”. When you display enough empathy for the suffering of the people, you will be seen as a star. In time, the feeling of compassion you emit will translate into a radiant light That is what happens when we reach for the star within. No one is condemned to obscurity because anybody can come to limelight What is stopping us from shinning when we bear the light within our spirits? What will become of the world if stars stop shinning?
Priyanka Singh TAKE THAT STEP
In a flash I see the pretty Mehrun, as cheerful and colourful and tingling as a young bride could be, was now robbed of all that could bring her a smile. I attended to my duty but the tumult that this girl had sent me to engage me for long A girl of the tender age of 19, married a couple of months back, Mehrun. A regular, silent and sincere student who would drop in a message if she could not come to college, particularly my class How could this tragedy fall upon this gentle child? I looked at her now and then as she wrote her answers. Despite how fate had turned things over, Mehrun had walked up to the examination hall by will and it was her first step to walk beyond the misfortune. I so much wanted to talk to her, hug her, share her grief and tell her that I was with her As I signed her answer sheet I could not stop myself and I placed my hand on her head transfusing my love and my feelings. After the exam I met the lady who had accompanied Mehrun’s and what I told her surprised me too: “Mehrun walked up to the examination Hall on her own will and it is an attestation that she has taken her first step to move ahead and nothing could stop her Don’t hurt her self esteem pleading in the name of her husband when she is making an effort to move ahead confidently”. As a teacher I commit myself to be the trampoline that she and other students could use to soar high to reach the stars. 22
ation time! This year a little attention grabbing owing to its schedule in the scorching, piercing, humid month of July as against the usual April May Wiping the sweat and braving the afternoon 01:30 04:30 pm duty in the examination hall with my lot of answer sheets It was important that I give instructions loud, clear and repeat the same for the examinees who after 3 semesters of online examination were appearing for the first time in an offline university examination Their apprehensions and anxiety were obvious and I was doing my best to make them comfortable. I go by the usual “No mobile, no smart watch, check around the seat and table, to fill the information asked on the OMR carefully” announcement A few examinees were still walking in when a woman walked up to me and requested me to take care and help one of the examinees Surprised by the request I asked the lady what she meant as she pointed towards a life infused skeleton that had entered the Hall who stood by a bench for some time and then got herself seated wherever she found a place This dull, expressionless piece of mass seemed familiar. As I struggled hard to recall and the simultaneous “care of what kind” indulged me, the next few words of the lady further numbed me when I was informed that ‘Mehrun’s’ (name changed for personal reasons) husband had passed away. “Passed away, That’s tragic”! Words hardly came out of my mouth as I engrossed myself looking at the girl asking for her roll number and guiding her to her allotted seat Just then I remember a student messaging me that she could not attend classes as her husband wasn’t well.
AFROSE SAAD THAT SPARKLING STAR Who is there?
People didn't like you. They didn't love you. They avoided you all times Now it's your turn You're making your lively time. You can see yourself, as the sparkling star. Though day is blissful, but night is also your supporter It shows you, how to scatter your ray of lovely heart even in the deepest dark, when there's not a single ray of light Now, what? Look at yourself You are smiling. You are so happy. Wow! You can tell those people what are you expecting from me? I'm not your desired one I can't claim your love. It's alright. I have enough. I have gotten my God's love. I can see myself, at each part of this dark night Like this , my life was full of darkness. I was crying a lot. Then I stood up and made my mind. I will not cry anymore. I will make my footprint in deepest hearts by my deeds. with it's sparkling stars. "
Nobody can see...Oh! It hurts a lot. Alright When day will say goodbye and night will come with it's pride, then can try to say that word. Can't? Why and why? This is not fair. Try to see and then say Yes! Now tell ,what are you seeing? Star! Wow! It's really a sparkling star. Amidst dark night, that star is smiling like a dancing queen. It'sSuperb!!!notso easy to go at the starry night. Need to perform each deed cautiously and heartfully, passionately without any fear Sometimes you are dancing with the tune of life, but mind can't focus which one is true and which isn't. How can define? Who can show the righteous thing?
And look at this time, I'm a successful person. Thanks a lot dear Almighty God for Your mighty touch "Remind this beautiful quote my dear all- Life will be glittered all times by the power of lovely deeds and heart. It likes the starry night“
She reached there and was hugged and greeted by her love Jordan. He was feeling very happy for her. Rita saw Rose with her husband and Joe, whi had come there as a journalist. They hugged each other. Entering the hall Rita saw Maria with fliwers to welcome her as she was working in that hotel as a manager. Rita looked at Maria and asked, "hey Maria, how do you feel now?". Then Rita left without caring for her answer Rita saw being sorrounded by the superstars. She had the winner's smile on her face as still her "Passion Is Alive." 23
Never stop to believe in God. Never blame yourself. You may be loser so many times but that will help you to make a strong pillar For that reason, you can try to conquer any state of life. You can't give up. The thunderbolt strike breaks the sail of boat Just wait for the next chance. Get up . You must listen your heart. You have a dream. Your life is setting the goal. Let yourself to go there as a soldier This is your war, to show the world, who you are?
Sudha Dixit
A lean, dark, chit of a girl; often looked down by people for not being pretty and presentable. The only saving grace was that she was not of poor family. It doesn’t mean that she was rich She was not She was, simply, a class one officer’s daughter. That way, at least, she was somebody; not a non entity. The joint family consisted of fifteen people ten siblings, four young uncles and aunts and her mother. Father was the only earning member. Hence, despite position, power and prestige, the ‘M’ factor ie money was lacking. In a patriarchal society, being a girl was no big deal. She was lonely and sombre, so strange in a house full of kith and kin. But it’s true. She was ahead of her time. Being more mature than her actual age, she could not make many friends due to her intellectual mindset. Her real companions were books. She identified herself with the characters portrayed in the story books It gave her a different kind of solace She was lonely but not sad. She was contented and at peace because she had dreams. Dreams are akin to ointments that soothe the wounds inflicted by people’s indifference towards her. She got acclimatized to her solitude and aloofness.
KEEP THE GOAL HIGH
She became friends with hills and valleys, trees and seas, stars and skies. She was a philosopher and she became a poet. Being an officer’s daughter, she did not have to do any house hold chores as there were many domestic helps to do that She was free to chase butterflies, talk to plants, sing in the rain and dance with the wind in the day time. Come evening and night, she would pick up a book and disappear in its pages Fortunately, all this came handy in her educational journey. Having been familiar with literature and fine arts, she became topper in her class An invisible child turned into a shining star. Mother became a little more caring, siblings started looking at her with new found respect Father felt so proud that he began to take extra interest in her studies. He gave her best education, better than any other girl of that time could get Still, an orthodox, patriarchal society either clips their wings or puts them in a cage. The society may provide them everything but it would not allow them to fly It binds their feet with an attractive chain, called marriage. The attraction is fraudulent. She knew it and fought against it. But, if you don’t agree by persuasion, you are made to agree by force. She was forced into marriage; a virtual prison called “home sweet home. Every place and position have its own protocol and responsibilities. 24
The confinement comes with children. Children are your moral obligation Hence, a long time was spent in performing that duty and fulfilling all commitments. She put up with everything but never abandoned her dreams She kept them enclosed in her mental closet and waited for the opportune time. There is a saying that if you really want something, the whole universe conspires in order for you to achieve it. She was addicted to reading. Nobody could stop her from finishing the books she wanted and started to read She wanted to write and reach out to unseen readers. To her good luck, computers arrived. At the age when people normally retire, she learnt to use her children’s desk tops She tested fragments of her poems on her face book wall and was thrilled to find them very much liked. She wrote a little more. She was happy to be invited to contribute in some magazines. She did. She took part in writing contests and challenges; won accolades. People, often, asked her about her published work She had none Someone offered to publish her poems. She agreed. One after another she got many of her poems and prose items published It was a dream come true. Then her work was chosen for awards. The major part of her life was spent in growing her wings again and again after being clipped or in drying them after they were drenched many times. She never gave up. She was inspired by the ant who keeps falling and climbing repeatedly She was a tortoise, slow and steady. She was a squirrel In Indian epic Ramayan”, Lord Ram was building a bridge over the sea. He was being helped by everyone around, including monkeys A tiny squirrel saw this and wanted to help. She rolled in the sand and dipped in the sea, leaving the sand there. She repeated the act umpteen times When asked what was she doing, she replied that it was her bit to be part of those who were helping Lord Ram. Every tiny bit is important Thus, she was all besides being a human, endeavoring to achieve a goal. She believed there is no age bar for learning So, she learnt anything and everything that was needed. She worked eight to ten hours daily. People asked why was she working so hard and she replied that she was trying to make up for the lost time. People asked how did she maintain so much energy and she said that she was utilizing all the life’s vitality that had not been used Her dreams were not dead. Her aspirations were not diminished. At last, she was living her life She got her prose, poetry, humour and satire published in book forms. She got recognition in the various fields of her achievements. She got her children’s support and appreciation She has reached the stars, she once looked at with wishful eyes. Some philosopher had rightly said that one should be able to write one’s own destiny She did 25
Daniel Miltz GOAL TO SUCCEED
At the point when the vast majority asked is "easy street", you can wager that 90% of those individuals would think of answers, for example, "being rich" or "scoring that sweepstakes." While cash may be a decent advantage to having a decent life, it sure doesn't show how effective you are throughout everyday life. Easy street to still up in the air on achieving or possibly taking a stab at the objectives set out for yourself, however it's the striving to get there that makes you a hard worker and successful. 26
The obligation and job in the public eye is obviously to 'Point In The Skies For The Stars' thus it should be, for so it is composed. This is a conviction held by some that your life is ordained by the stars. Assuming that you continue in this way of thinking that all men in the public eye are nevertheless stars with fixed way in the skies and those stars that tumble from their ways "fall in fire." So as a star overhead, digresses from his fixed path as well, must pay the price. The importance of life is to give life meaning. Your own goal to succeed is a higher priority than some other thing. Try not to let what you can't do impede what you can do. Indeed, even a moron realizes you can't arrive at the stars, yet that doesn't prevent an insightful man from attempting. You can't settle on another person's decisions You shouldn't let another person make
Allyours.individuals on the planet carry on with their whole lives to become an option that could be more noteworthy than they really are. The mission for outcome in life is endless and individuals are perpetually discontent with what they have. Making progress like difficult work, unusualness, and prominence to show that these pursuits won't really make you a fruitful individual in light of the fact that in the end the entirety of your endeavors to take a stab at progress are in vain
MIGRANTS’ VOICES
REACH FOR THE STAR
As the saying goes, we die once and we live every day. We wake up each and every morning hoping that we will succeed That we are going to have the desire of our hearts That we are going to erase the stress that we feel. We hope, we always hope. No matter what the world will throw upon us, we have this mindset that we can overcome all the struggles, trials and hindrances of our daily lives. We are so much relying to God’s love and mercy, to God’s genuine care, because we believe that if we seek first the Kingdom of God, all these things that we see around us shall be given unto us. Are you having this kind of positive mindset? Or are you still in a state of confusion? Are you not still believing in yourself, your capabilities and huge opportunities around you? It’s time to open your eyes. It’s time to unlock your treasures. Time to pull your big pants up and work for your dream. Nothing and no one will do it for you. You are the driver of your life. You are the pilot, the astronomer who study your own star How can you reach your star if you’re just sitting at the corner and doing nothing. Laziness is our main enemy of not reaching our dreams. Procrastination is also one of the main reason why we are not progressing. We are born a winner! We are born resilient! We just need to open the doors of success! Are you ready to meet your star? I heard an example of speech that says, if you want to be successful, start from the moment you wake up in the morning. Learn how to fix your bed. When you wake up and you fix your bed, you start to organize your task during the day And other tasks will follow smoothly within your daily routine. Everything is easy to handle because you know what to do out of your routine and when something happened that is not in your plan you can easily handle it with confidence. Don’t stop believing in your dreams and to your capacity and capability to do so You might encounter failures along the way but remember, failures are blessings too. Create a mindset of positivity. Create a zone to your self that is not only giving you comfort but molding you into a beautiful, strong, resourceful person that will lead you to your STAR. Sharing you my poem in my book A Call To Remember:
Bernadith De La Cruz
27
Dagli’t ika’y nasakop nitong pagsubok na hawig sa balaraw, Isa, dalawa, tatlo mga tao’y nagkalugmok lugmok Hindi ito pagmumukmok kundi’y sadyang masaklap na dagok
Madami ang nangamatay at buhay ay naging malungkot Takot ang naging dulot nitong pandemyang daig pang isang salot, Kaya’t kung nais mo pang mabuhay, sumunod at wag maging palalo Makiisa at maging mapagmatyag nang sarili’y di biglang maglaho Ako, ikaw , siya, tayo’y mga pinanday na Pilipino Hindi man naging perpekto ngunit sadyang maraming naging estilo, Bigo man sa pag ibig, kabuhayan at pangangailangan Alab ng lahing Pilipino unos man ay di uurungan.
Kaya’t aking kaibigan huwag ka nang magmaang maangan Pag mamalasakit sa kapwa isabuhay at gawin mong tangan, Munting tinig ay iyong dinggin ng uhaw na puso sa karimlan Tayong lahat ay maghawak kamay, tumindig sa diwa ng bayanihan.
PilipinasKongMahal,PinandayatPinagtibay
31
Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, Pilipinas kong tanglaw
Hagupit nitong pandemya, maraming tao ang mga nalito Facemasks, faceshields at alcohol nangagsilbing pananggalan ng mga tao, Maraming nawalan ng trabaho at tila baga naging dehado Tila masaklap na istorya sa isang pelikula at lahat ay naging disiplinado Ekonomiya nati’y bumagsak at bigla na lang lumagapak Daig pa ang mga halakhak ng pusong nanaghoy sa lusak, O bansang Pilipinas labis kang pinaghirap Mga hamong sagad sa buto ang saiyo’y pinalasap.
G. WILSON B. PAMPLONA SDO ALBAY Marayag Elementary School
Sa larangan ng edukasyon, laking dulot ay kunsumisyon Pagpasok sa ekwela’y inantala ng maraming kondisyon, Subalit hindi natinag, tumayo at namayagpag Walang salita ng pagsuko at kailanma’y hindi nabagabag.
saHamonngPandemya
Huwag nating kaliligtaan mga alituntuni’y gawaing pamantayan Kaligtasan isa alang alang, pakaisipin ang ating Inang Bayan, Kapit bisig at manalig sa Diyos na siyang pinakamakapangyarihan Pandemya’y di magwawagi, kung pag asa’y laging mananahan.
32 In the September 2022 edition, we learn how educators cope during the post-pandemic, and writers around the globe share their stories how able to reach their dreams.
