My change of heart

“I have a brand new heart!” Or at least that’s how I feel.

Let me take you ten months prior when I first showed beginning signs of an impending ‘heart problem’. It all started when I was chosen by the board of directors of the school I work for to be trained to head the preschool academic department. Needless to say, I was picked and plucked from my comfort zone (as an administrative assistant) heeding to the call of a totally unfamiliar domain — teaching. My ‘old heart’ experienced symptoms of apprehension, worry, restlessness, even fatigue as I took on this new challenge at hand.

My symptoms, at many times, even worsened as I was enrolled at the graduate school of the University of Asia and the Pacific in their program for practitioners. As I was struggling to learn the foundations of early childhood education, I was pleasantly surprised how my learning was starting to affect me in profound ways. All the wisdom and the values I have learned- (and still learning) on how important the role of an educator is, provided me the “intervention” that I needed, to gradually have a “change of heart” with regard to how I accept with open arms my new calling.

And just like any ‘heart transplant patient’, I know my body might ‘try to reject’ my new resolution in pursuing a demanding yet honorable career path. So, as part of following my doctor’s orders in taking care of my brand new heart, I shall bring with me in my school community, a list of reminders on my brand new work attitude, that I think will sustain me in keeping my resolve firm and my commitment unyielding to pursue education.

Doctor’s orders and my new work attitudes:

1) Be a contagious disease to your colleagues.

I shall spread positivism and enthusiasm in my workplace. I shall be a carrier of motivation that will inspire all to create a new culture of excellence in our work as educators.

2) Laughter and gossip are the best medicines.

If we choose to laugh at work, laugh at ourselves. Instead of carrying a load of regrets, learn something valuable from the mistakes we have made and resolve to do things differently today.

If we choose to ‘gossip’ at work, let’s make sure we ‘gossip’ about what is good about others. It is good to spread the word about someone who goes above and beyond for somebody else in our school community or who did exceptionally well in a task. Good examples are almost always followed.

3) If you experience pain, bite your lip.

This is not to say that feelings are not important. They are, but we should choose when and how to express them without offending others. We should put values ahead of our feelings. Even with diversity in our school community, our common values and our common humanity shall harmoniously unite us in our goal to promote the holistic development of the students under our care.

4) Take a vacation.

Take a mental vacation and imagine all the possibilities and all the things we can still contribute to ensure that we make a positive difference in the lives of our students. Envision our purpose, fuel our passion, and keep our motivation level high as we faithfully perform our duties as excellent educators.  

5) “Do not take the last donut!”

In the book, “Do not take the last donut” by Judith Bowman, she presented a definitive guide to social and professional interaction. An important part of working congruently with our colleagues is that we, educators (and workers in general), tend to accomplish more when we have high morale and we are treated fairly and justly. At all situations, mutual respect, trust and consideration are key elements to building successful professional relationships in our school.

Most of my symptoms are gone now, although medications are still needed for at least a year. (I have one year left in my graduate studies) With my list of doctor’s orders at hand, my faith in God, and my firm resolve that I can make a positive difference in my school community, I will dutifully take my medicines (my continuing education) with a spoonful of sugar and a smile, knowing that my ‘heart’ is getting stronger and better day by day.

JOANNE PERALTA-TORRES is a licensed pharmacist, school administrator, entrepreneur, student, and an aspiring preschool teacher.