Something New

The school year started with an almost inaudible gasps from my old pair of sandals. It said, "Your world, Ms.B, is about to collapse!" (Bright, sandal.)

A day later, my world, indeed, took a nasty turn and collapsed. Without me in it, thankfully.

As a volunteer secondary school teacher in my very own alma mater, I have learned to expect the unexpected.But that was during the first semester in my first year, which was just last year. Now, I have learned not to expect anything. (Stop that thought, Ms.B. It is ugly and very censorious of the d*mn*d system.)

Last year, I handled several loads with double preparation (not much, really.) I was able to intrude into the lives of 770 students (give or take a hundred). I handles three third year classes in the first grading, two second year classes, five fourth year classes and another five third year classes in the last semester.

I stayed for an average of two months with any of these classes. (whew) And everytime I leave our house, I get accosted (that's OA) with some student's unknown faces.

I had to smile everytime an unknown face calls me Ma'am. I promised to myself before that I would never disappoint any student. (Now, I'd rather take that promise back).

This year, however, my load is lighter and easier. I have to handle five first year English classes but pone of those class is held outside the campus.

After my 2:40 class in the main campus, I have to commute to one of the northern (I'm not sure if its northern, daw western,e.Never mind) barangays to teach in a barangay chapel.

The Division has recently opened a high school in that barangay and for its first school year, it has a total of 45 students, with zero buildings and a chapel which the breeze (and the rain) can freely penetrate.

Second day of school and I broke one of the old pair of sandals I owned. Hopefully, the local school board will give me my salary by the end of the month so that I can buy a new pair.

Back of my brain voice: How about the books of your siblings, dear daughter.

Oh, well. I am a teacher. What else can I do?