Lessons Beyond the Classroom
Welcome to Lessons Beyond the Classroom!
Teaching isn’t just about lectures, lesson plans, or grading papers, it’s a journey of constant growth, discovery, and learning. Every day, as a teacher and department chair in Nutrition and Dietetics, I find myself immersed in experiences that go far beyond the syllabus. From conversations with students to unexpected challenges and heartwarming moments, each day brings new lessons, not just for my students, but for me as well.
This blog is my space to reflect on those lessons. It’s where I’ll share the ups and downs of teaching, the joys and struggles of guiding young minds, and the insights I’ve gained from leading a department. It’s about the small, powerful moments that remind me why I chose this profession and how it continues to shape me as a person.
Whether you’re an educator, a student, or someone simply curious about the world of teaching, I hope my reflections inspire, inform, or resonate with you in some way. Here, we’ll explore the real-life classroom, one filled with life lessons, human connections, and stories of growth.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let’s uncover the lessons that lie beyond the classroom, together.
November 18, 2024
Last Monday, November 18, classes were suspended due to Typhoon Pepito. Although the weather was calm where the university is located, it was far from a restful day for me. I traveled to Bacolod feeling unwell, knowing I had a mountain of case study papers from the seniors to finish before their presentations the next day.
Once I arrived, I worked tirelessly, pushing past midnight to get everything done. The next morning, I attended the presentations despite feeling weak and dizzy. At first, I managed fine, but by the end, I was in so much pain that I thought I might faint. Thankfully, Yana, one of my students, brought me a pain reliever, and after taking it, I felt well enough to carry on.
Reflecting on that day, I realized something 24 hours is enough to do all the work if I don’t sleep. But this isn’t sustainable. As much as I love what I do, I know I need to take care of myself too. Pushing beyond my limits won’t serve anyone, and I can’t afford to burn out. Moving forward, I hope to approach my responsibilities with better balance, making time not just for work but for rest and recovery as well.
November 24, 2024
Being a teacher is not just about being smart or knowing a lot of things, it’s so much more. It’s about having the passion to relay knowledge to students in a way that they can truly understand and apply. It’s about extending help and providing support, encouraging them to give their best in every requirement they comply with. It’s about recognizing their unique needs and doing your best to meet them, not just academically but also emotionally, sometimes even beyond the classroom.
It’s also about making sacrifices - your personal time to study, prepare lessons, and meticulously check their work. Honestly, I’m probably being so dramatic because, for so many Saturday nights and Sundays, I’ve been working non-stop. It feels overwhelming, and I wonder, “Lord, is this really my calling? Am I doing it right?”
At times like this, it’s easy to feel tired and drained. Maybe I just need a long vacation to recharge. But in the end, when I see their growth, their achievements, and the little moments of gratitude, it reminds me why I’m here. Lord, guide me as I navigate this journey. Whether single forever or not, help me to embrace my purpose wholeheartedly.
Last night, our department held a social night/year-end party, a much-needed pause from the hustle of academic life. Organized by the officers, it was an opportunity for us to unwind and enjoy each other's company before diving back into the final stretch of the semester.
I’m typing this at 5:44 a.m., still bleary-eyed from the lack of sleep. We stayed overnight after the event, and while I intended to rest earlier, I ended up staying awake until 3 a.m. My role as a teacher and adult presence kept me up longer, ensuring everyone was settled and safe before I could relax.
What stood out to me during those quiet late hours were the conversations I had with some students who couldn’t sleep. Talking with these young minds reminded me of the complexities they face, so many questions, uncertainties, and dreams that need guidance. I realized that while I may not have all the answers or satisfy every curiosity they have, I value these exchanges deeply.
In those moments, I wasn’t just a teacher but also a fellow traveler in life’s journey, learning from their perspectives as much as they sought direction from mine. It’s a humbling experience to see how much potential they have and how meaningful our roles as teachers are, not just to impart knowledge but to listen, guide, and learn alongside them.
As exhausting as the night was, it left me grateful for the opportunity to connect with our ND students beyond the classroom walls. Teaching isn’t just about completing syllabi or grading papers; it’s about building relationships, understanding the unique stories of the young people we serve, and sometimes, simply being there when they need someone to talk to.
December 8, 2024
Another week has passed, and a new one has started. Here I am, surrounded by papers that need checking and scores that need encoding. Honestly, this is my least favorite part of being a teacher. I don’t mind talking to my students all day, but when it comes to checking papers and activities especially the ones from lab sessions, I get so lazy.
This is the last week of the first semester, and tomorrow, final exams begin. I really need to finish all the checking and encoding this week so I can compute the grades and submit them on time. I’ve already started working on some scores, but there’s still a lot left to do. My goal is to finish by Thursday, but I know I’ll need to push myself to get it all done. It’s always the same, so much work piling up right at the end.
Even though this part of my job feels exhausting, I have to admit that talking to my students makes everything worth it. It’s what I enjoy the most. When I’m in front of them, having conversations or sharing lessons, I feel like I’m exactly where I should be. Sure, there are times when I feel like I don’t know enough or I doubt my skills in leading this department. But every time I interact with my students, those feelings disappear. They remind me why I chose this path.
So, here’s to finishing this week strong. The grades will get done, the semester will end, and I’ll look forward to more moments of talking, learning, and growing with my students because that’s the part of teaching I truly love.
December 19, 2024
Three months into my role as both a teacher and a department chair, I have gained valuable insights into the delicate balance of guiding students effectively while ensuring their workload is meaningful. One of the most significant lessons I have learned is this: simply giving students more requirements will not necessarily help them learn better or perform at their best. Instead, the focus should shift from the quantity of their outputs to the quality of their work.
In an era where time seems to move faster and distractions abound, students are already grappling with managing their responsibilities. While it is important to train them to be more responsible and to manage their time well, overburdening them with numerous tasks can be counterproductive. Instead of fostering learning and growth, excessive requirements often lead to stress, surface-level work, and missed opportunities to delve deeply into the important concepts of a course.
This doesn’t mean that requirements are unnecessary. They are a vital part of the learning process and can encourage discipline and engagement. However, they should be thoughtfully designed to align with the course’s objectives and its coverage. By minimizing the quantity of assignments and focusing on the depth and quality of work, we can help students master key concepts and develop the skills they need. This approach also gives us, as teachers, the time to provide meaningful feedback and to guide students in improving their areas of weakness.
When students are not overwhelmed, they can focus more on producing thoughtful, well-researched, and creative outputs. It also becomes easier for us as teachers to assess their work thoroughly and offer constructive suggestions. This, in turn, fosters a learning environment where students feel supported and motivated to strive for excellence.
Ultimately, the goal is not just to train students to churn out numerous outputs but to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Let’s inspire them to produce work they can be proud of, work that reflects not just effort but understanding and mastery. By finding the right balance, we empower them to not only meet the challenges of the present but to excel in the future.
January 6, 2025
Work officially resumes today, even though the second semester begins next week, there’s a lot to prepare such as course syllabi, teaching materials, and various important documents to ensure a smooth start. It’s going to be a busy week, but I feel a surprising sense of excitement.
For many years of teaching, I haven’t felt this eager to start a new semester. Now, I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing the students again and embarking on another journey with them.
This semester will undoubtedly bring its share of challenges, especially for our seniors who have a particularly hectic term ahead. But I trust in God’s guidance and lift everything to Him. I pray for wisdom not only for myself as I lead the department but also for all the teachers in our department. May we guide our students with patience, dedication, and excellence.
Here’s to a blessed and fruitful semester!
January 19, 2025
It’s been a week since the second semester started, and I expect it to be a very busy time for everyone. Last Friday, we had our first Major’s Forum for this semester. I hope I was able to inspire and encourage the students as they continue pursuing their studies in our program.
I understand that every student is different, not all are quick learners. As teachers, we need to adapt to their needs while also challenging them to bring out their best. Beyond academics, it’s just as important to encourage a balanced student life.
During the forum, I shared these four principles:
1. Engage in school and department activities – Learning goes beyond the classroom. Activities like forums, acquaintance parties, and retreats build teamwork, leadership, and a sense of belonging.
2. Balance time effectively – Time management is key to success. Focus on priorities while making time for rest.
3. Apply your knowledge in real life – Live what you learn. Practical application not only benefits your health but also inspires others.
4. Prioritize your health – Physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being are essential for success and for becoming future advocates of healthy lifestyles.
I hope these principles resonate with our ND students and guide them through this semester’s challenges.
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