Financial Intelligence

Study hard so that you will have a good future. Does this line sound familiar? Yes, this is a famous advise most of our folks tell us ever since we were young. To become self-sufficient and successful in the future, you need to finish school and then find a job. A job that would be able to sustain your needs. This maybe is a successful formula for them during their time. However, nowadays, it’s an entirely different ballgame I may say.

I speak of my personal experience on this thought. I always believed that getting to finish college and finding a job would be enough to cover the expenses I will have in building my house, having my own car and raising my own family. Beep…I  thought wrongly. To my disappointment, I earned a very meager amount of salary that was not enough to cover my personal expenses. I could not even afford to hand in some amount of money to my parents for household expenditures. Harsh as it may seem, the diplomas we earn is not enough to feed ourselves and our immediate loved ones. And I’m very certain it isn’t only me who is having the same dilemma right now. Much hurtful is the thought that many people nowadays who have not finished their studies are earning bigger than what most college graduates get. “What an injustice” , many ”educated” people may say.

What is with those people that made them earn more? What do they know that we don”t know? Here is the truth, much of what we learn in school do not equip us to be successful moneywise. They teach us skills that would help us get decent jobs but not so big salaries, not unless we go abroad. Hey wake up, a school is a business in itself. It may care for you on being able to finish school but it would not care if you get your financial goals. (That would be another course that could be offered by the schools by the way.)

What is my point, intelligence is a vehicle to securing a good future but intelligence has a lot of facets. What we are taught in school is just intelligence in skills and social interactions maybe. But on how to get the more important material of earning enough money to feed a family and to build a good future is not a even a minor subject being taught. What we need is financial intelligence and this is only acquired by experience. Mingling with these financial gurus and self-education. For now, it is a trial and error process but it is slowly becoming a science. Believe me, a few years from now, schools will be thinking of putting up a subject on this because they themselves need the same kind of education themselves. As for myself, I am getting to learn more and more. And I will share what works for me and what does not. See you in my future posts.

Happy New Month

Today marks the start of a new month to this year. Yes, it is the middle of the year already but for me, it yet marks the start of my new year. It is the beginning of my new year since I have already relocated to another place. A place more familiar and always refreshing for me. I start to embark on the continuation of the temporarily halted activities that were left the previous year.

I have been officially accepted again to my previous job and believe it or not this is the third reentry to this same institution. This affinity must be really something. It is but rare for someone who has resigned to the same institution three times and yet upon his reapplication, still gets accepted. This may be because of some reasons that come in unexplainable and the heart could only feel.

Personally, I’d like to think of it as a very strong expression of authentic and pure intentions for the good of the majority. Too deep you may say, but let’s just leave it all up to that. Nonetheless, I’m happy for this new chance given on this new month of the year.  Cheers…

I honor…JAY

As I try to recall my encounters when I was in another country, I’ve met a lot of people who in one way have affected the way I think and see life. This is the first of a series of giving honor to these people.

The first time I met Jay, I saw a strong-willed person in him. He knows how to deal with things in life. He carries his life in a light but dependable manner. I never will forget the times where he tried to mediate during a scuffle between his former housemates. He calmly went to both parties hearing each others’ side and convey messages of reconciliation for both parties. Things didn’t turn out good and quick but through his persistence it all became settled.

He is known as the computer man in the group as he handles all the computer troubleshooting and maintenance in the house. He has even branched out by serving his new found friends in line with his computer expertise. A very profitable skill in the long run as his clientele continues to increase (hey bro…if after this post, more people look for you, don’t forget my referral fee….hehehehe).

He is dependable most specially in the culinary needs of the group. My former housemates know what I mean. He does most of the early morning cooking for the group without any complains. It takes a great deal of patience and commitment doing this. Though sometimes, he wakes up late ending up with cooking food in a rush (bahala na basta maunuran lang ang tiyan…hehehehe).

He is also a person who loves his family so much. He thinks more of the welfare of his parents and siblings over himself. He tries to provide the things needed by his family here in the Philippines. A great manifestation of responsibility I may say.

Most of all, he is a very committed person to his girlfriend. I saw how much he tries hard to keep the issue of distance affect their relationship. He calls more frequently and chats with his special someone on a daily basis (…big thanks for the Internet). Now, that’s what I call dedication to the highest level. Goldie Mae…lucky you. 

Jay has made me reflect on a lot of aspects in my life. He made me realize and value the things that I have to appreciate and thank for. I honor your friendship. Our paths shall cross again and I will happily remember all the goodness you’ve shown. 

Decided

A few days back, I was just in another country experiencing a cool temperature and a less sedentary life. It is just now that I have sinked in to the idea that I’m back home. Yes, home. Although there are lots of things to complain for, I just can’t help but just smile and feel delighted getting into it and hearing the usual whims the people here are expressing. I just seem to appreciate much what I have and what I could still do here for something better….(HEROES look at what you’ve done hehehehehe). 

Yesterday was a delightful experience as I was invited to judge a dance competition in SM (…for reasons maybe that they couldn’t pull anyone else). It was something that I’d be glad doing, seeing young people stretch and groove their way to show their stuffs. I saw familiar faces and old friends in the event. Had some chat and strolled through the mall joking around and posing on digital camera shops for group pics (…something I really missed when I was somewhere else).

It seems that everything are just falling into place. The feeling is just great. Despite the financial lack emanating, I feel it could be handled well. Yes, it has made me decide to stay. Maybe for good or maybe for several years more and it has already been DECIDED.

Penultimate

Penultimate is defined as something that is next to last, like: Y is the penultimate letter of the alphabet. Another definition from the Random House Dictionary of 1966 defines penultimate as almost last, a contraction of the Latin phrase paene ultima. Roget’s Thesaurus (1960) says that the word can mean last but one or last but two. However, in grammar, the ultima is the last syllable in a word, and the penult or penultima is specifically the second to last syllable. This word has caught my attention lately as I am currently experiencing something of the same nature. Exactly a day from now, I will be going back to my home place.

I start to recall the events that have transpired the previous 364 days that I had on a foreign country. It was not that easy I may say. It was the period where a lot of firsts in my life happened of which I prefer not to enumerate them all. It was a roller coaster ride in general and I am grateful for the people who have in one way or another made my stay worthwhile and very eye opening.

Nonetheless, the last for this chapter in my life would open another one. I just hope and expect that life would just get better. Like the folks say, let`s leave the bad experiences behind and carry on the good in continuing life`s travel. Have to continue packing up. Jaa ne.

Unexpectedly Happy

I am in my final three days of work here in Japan when unexpectedly, our head announced that today would be my last. It was yet the first of the last three days!!! I was surprised by what she said but what`s more surprising is that I had a big grin upon hearing the news. I don`t know, it must be the intensive longing of me to come home and be what I really wanted to be… a teacher. Oh what foolishness could this be you might say. Being a teacher in a third world country like the Philippines.

Well, we just can`t control what the inner desires of every person dictate. This maybe is an outburst manifested in the big grin. Though it would mean no income for the coming two days before coming home, it still has a stingy happiness effect on me. I just couldn`t figure and I would not mind it having there either. Life is just so funny I guess.

In three days time, I will be back in my country. God knows what would happen to me there but I will be expecting great things to come. It may not be in the financial aspect but it will be a blast.

Great Teacher Onizuka and Me

During the times when I felt like I don`t know what I really wanted to do with my life and I seemed lost as to where I am headed. I came across a Japanese series that have greatly affected my perspective as a teacher. Great Teacher Onizuka, released way back 1999, presents an unconventional homeroom teacher handling juvenile high school students who slowly won their hearts and trusted him.  I somehow relate to the instances that he had gotten into. Moreover, his attitude is also something that I could identify with. I had my share of `juvenile` encounters as a high school teacher more so as a college instructor. It has definitely stirred my emotions trying to figure out how to solve the crises my students are getting into. It was very challenging for me since I myself am encountering the same crises for the first time. Its like me and my students are learning life by first hand experiences. When the problem is through, we enjoy and celebrate together and try to recollect the things that happened and usually laugh over it.

What`s so funny over these realizations is the idea that I have seen the show way way after experiencing the same encounters in my life. I have seen the show on 2004 but the scenes have already unfolded to me on 2001. What`s my point? I simply want to tell that those lowly and challenging experiences that I had have a deeper purpose on what I am venturing in and am choosing to become right now. After all, I am really called to teach. No matter how many obstructions and detours have come my way. In one way or another, circumstances or shows like these have reminded me what I really am intended to do. The series was shown to me by a student that I have never been close with until after seeing the series. Nonetheless, thank you very much.

To wrap it all, we are called to become who what we really ought to become. Unconsciously, events transpire and people are met. They remind you and even solidify your past thoughts and convictions. It`s all up to you whether you give in to it or continue giving a stiff necked attitude. Great Teacher Onizuka is personified in me….I hope.

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Hello world!

Firstly, I am glad i finally got in. It took me hours just to figure out how to start my blogging endeavor in this site. Anyways, I chose to share my views and perspectives in life and to what I am passionate of doing and that is to teach. Yeah, you read it right, to teach. Most of the people now do not consider this as a good career choice as more and more people lose interest to studying because they see no promising future ahead of it. Moreover, the youth are no longer interested in studying and that they have thought of other things to make more in life even if they don`t finish their studies. More importantly education now has gone through a lot of changes that taking it formally seem unnecessary for some. In fact, I am even one of those who thought the same way.

It was during my sixth grade when I unconsciously made the decision. I will never forget the day when our school director gave her `inspirational` talk in our classroom. At some point in her speech she asked who among us wanted to become a teacher. For some unknown reason I just raised my hand and to much of my surprise it was only me who raised a hand out of a class of forty-five. After realizing what I did, I immediately put down my hand feeling embarrassed and thought of some logical explanation as to why I have made such `stupid` and impulsive decision. In other words, I never dreamed to become a teacher. This was for the main reason that being a teacher in a third world country like ours would just spell misery and ridicule from the society not considering how low other people see teachers are. It is more of giving more than your life when you venture into it. As what I see from most of my former teachers.

I really made conscious efforts not to become a teacher by taking an Engineering degree and successfully finishing it with a professional license at hand. The idea of teaching went back to my consciousness during my senior year in college as some of my classmates were joking around saying that I would become one of the college instructors as soon as I graduate. To my foolishness, I even uttered the words `…that would be my very last option.` As I successfully passed my licensure exams, I went on the job hunt. I applied for companies that are in line with my completed degree. From a pile of job applications I made, I managed to be hired by a multinational company as an applications engineer. I was tasked to develop software for the company`s perusal. I tried to do my best and learn for my new job. For almost two months I frequently carried the struggle of understanding my tasks and completing it. I never felt good doing the work. It`s just as if I felt that I am not up for the position I was currently in. Not to mention the depression of receiving a very meager amount of salary far, far from what an Engineer must be paid. Putting it directly, I quit on my job and looked for another one.

I tried to look for a quick replacement to the job I lost because I don`t want to be anymore of a financial burden to my parents. I am the eldest and I have to find a job that I would at least hand in some money for my family`s expenses. I heard of a job opening in my college alma mater as an instructor and without further thought I applied and got accepted. It was only after I entered the institution again that I was reminded of my disinterest of becoming a teacher. It even reflected to my performance in that school. I just went in to say my piece, give assessment, guide the students and collect my pay. Nothing more, nothing less. My mind was still focused on earning a big salary and the teaching stint I had did not serve my purpose. In a year`s time, I decided to resign…again.

I looked for a higher paying job. I couldn`t find a higher paying job connected to my finished degree and I was getting disappointed. I bumped into a former high school teacher and offered me to teach in the secondary school that I attended. Oh no, not another teaching job please but guess what? I took the offer and the main reason is that it paid better than my previous teaching job. Argh, I hope this would work out… was all I could say. Teaching is really far from my system. That is what I always think. I held on for two years on that job still with a heavy heart and with no `commitment` for it. Again, my performance was very bad that the administration decided for my non-renewal. Yes, I was fired.

From that time on, my self esteem was on its lowest lows. I didn`t know anymore what to do with my life. I ventured into multilevel marketing that I had no interest in succeeding but was forced to since it was then my only means of generating income. It was really one of the worst five months of my life. But even though, I was unhappy with what I am doing, I learned and realized so much from the experience. I met my previous students still on with their studies and shared thoughts of fun when I was their teacher. A sudden fire within me was felt. I thought why is it that I am always being pushed to a job that I am consciously denying. This was the time that I started to have a change of heart towards teaching. I prayed hard one day saying that if it is teaching that You really want me to be placed then give me another chance. Strange but true, a friend from my college alma mater asked me to apply again to the institution since there is a vacant teaching position at that time.

I really thought that this would be my true calling. I gave teaching another three years, I`ve built good learning relationships to my students. I have even developed good working tie-ups with my colleagues. Not until an opportunity to work overseas came over. And so again I dropped teaching and grabbed the job. A job that I never knew what will be about. I became a machine operator in a tile manufacturing company here in Japan. For almost a year I struggled with literally eating dust and being scolded by superiors just to earn bigger. I was really willing now to forget my educational attainment and carry on with the lowly job I have. But with strange turns of events, I will no longer be renewed of my contract and my former students whom I have connected in one way or another still remained in contact with me. For some reason they became my strength in facing my struggles here overseas. Finally I realized that the job I continually refuse is the one that would make me whole. Yes, I`m coming back as a teacher in a University in our country and as there are a few more days when I finally come back, I will just take each day at a time. Learn more things so that I could share more as well.

With the many twists and turns my life has been into. I have finally come to a decision….I will become the teacher that I never intended to be. The best my future students could ever have. My story has just started. Till next time.

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