The Joy of Teaching

Great things came from small beings, this commercial slogan from famous milk brand kept repeating in my mind as we journeyed the road to Matag-ub, Janiuay for our NSTP outreach program. Excitement enveloped my whole being for the whole trip. Maybe because it was my first time to go to Janiuay or maybe it was my first ever outreach program in a far place. After an hour ride from the city, we arrived at Barangay Matag-ub but the community of Aetas is far from the barangay proper itself, so we need have a 10 minute walk and crossed a river. Crossing the river is really fun. The water from the river is very cool and refreshing which made me forgot that I am under the prickling heat of the sun.

As we reached the community of Aetas, we were welcomed by their warm and sweetest smiles which give me the motivation to give my best in imparting my knowledge to them. I was assigned to teach younger Aetas from Kinder 1 to Grade 3. They were really participative in answering my questions and giving their thoughts with the sweetest smile they could wear. I really admire their eagerness to learn as they listened well when we talk in front. They really put their 100% focused on us. It really touched my heart because despite of the fact that theyre not materially well-off but they have that overflowing passion and desire to learn.

The life of Aetas in Matag-ub is very simple. They were blessed with the fertile land which is the source of their living. As long as theyre hard-working in fields, they will never be hungry because nature already provided them with materials. They only need to move and make it more productive. Their lifestyle made me realized that happiness cannot only be found from material things but from the simple things around us. The only thing we have to do is discover them. In a two hour stay with the Aetas, I became happy. Seeing the green surroundings, made me at ease and relaxed. The smile of the children and the elders were just precious. It could really tell that theyre very grateful for having us. I hope that the things that we have imparted on them will be forever remembered.

Meeting the Aetas taught me a great lesson that I will forever reminisced. Happiness cannot only be found on material things. The aetas may not be financially and materially rich but they are happy with smallest gesture of love we gave them. It really felt good that in that single act seems that we already move mountains in themselves. For me now, Happiness is everywhere. We only have to explore the things that surround because who knows that thing that can make us genuinely happy has already been around us. We just take for granted it.

Glea Vanessa D. Pavillar BSPT 2B