My very first school was Miriam College Preschool. I was a Kindergarten student then in1989. I came back to CSC in 2004, the year I graduated from college, and started my teaching profession.
My fondest memories of CSC would be the annual play and the LRC play room. I will never forget my role in the play, “Ang Munting Kaibigan sa Bituin.” I was a “kalaro,” a friend of the protagonist alien from outer space. I still remember how I sang and danced with gusto with my classmates on stage. That was the very first time that I got to perform in front of a crowd and actually used a microphone to say my lines. I never thought that I could pull off a stint like that without crying or being shy in an auditorium filled with audience.
More than playing with my friends and classmates in school, I would always look forward to going to the LRC. LRC is a big playroom that looks like a house with a bedroom, kitchen and living room. It also has a small community with a clinic, grocery and school. I would remove my shoes the moment I enter the LRC and climb up the bed and pretend to sleep with my classmates. I also loved pretending to be a doctor and a teacher. Looks like I had an early premonition of my future career back then. Playing at CSC has taught me a lot of things: share, take turns, play fair with others and have fun. Things I brought with me as I went to grade school, high school, college and now that I am already working.
When I started working at the Preschool, I learned that my real passion is to teach young children. The highlights of my days at work are when I see my students smile or jump for joy every time they learn or try something new. When they suddenly are able to write the letters in their name, cut through a straight line or do something they weren’t previously able to do, I get as excited as they do. When my students are lined up at the playhouse in the morning waiting to come into class, and then run in and give me a hug, it warms my heart.
Working at CSC made me realize that work can be tiring but fun. Happy and supportive co-teachers, administrators and staff that surround you every day would definitely keep you going especially on not so good days. CSC has taught me how to pause, relax and reflect on the things that matter most. Even if my patience is tested to the limit, at the end of the day, I would feel fulfilled and happy that I am a teacher.
I am also very grateful to be part of the MC community. Here, I learned how to do my job well and work with people from different units. I have given plenty opportunities to improve myself better and not just fulfill my duties as a teacher. I am able to serve others, volunteer for outreach programs and give importance to my health and wellness. Miriam molded me and helped me become a well-rounded person. In my 12-year stay in this institution, I can say that Miriam has always and will always treat its I took up Child Development and Education in college and was very fortunate to have my practicum at the Child Study Center. After 14 years, I’m back to my roots. The experiences I had as a student teacher at the CSC indeed prepared me for this career. Everything I am today, everything that I have become as a preschool teacher, I owe to Miriam College and the training I had during my practicum. There’s no place/school that I can think of where I can give back and offer my service other than my Alma Mater who molded me to who I am now.
