A Tale of Two Students

One of the lessons I learned from the movie, “Emperor’s Club,” was that a lot of great men have existed in history but only a few names get to be written and be known for generations to come. What makes them stand out? Contribution! What would great success be if it does not have any contribution to humanity?

I would like to share two of the stories of my students who have made a very big impact in my life, not just as a teacher – but as a person. An impact deserving to be known for generations to come.

The first student is Carlene. She was a silent girl and good-natured. She wasn’t exactly a stand out in the class because there were those who were more outspoken, but you will know her because she was a student who would really respect you.

In one of the sessions in their class, we were talking about relationships at home. It started as a fun topic as many of the students aired out their sentiments about how strict their parents were, how much they are still being nagged even if they are living far away from their parents already. There were also stories which brought laughter when a student was reprimanded by her mother when she wore shorts even if she was going to the beach. She thought: what was I to wear, pajama? Almost everybody could relate to each other’s story, but all of a sudden, Carlene cried. When they noticed, everybody fell silent. This girl whom I did not exceptionally notice before could silence a crowd. The other students knew the story. When I asked Carlene about the tears, I learned that her mother already died. Deep inside me, I felt knocked out and blanched. And I could never forget the words she said that until now has deeply made a mark in me: “If they only know how it is not to have your mother. I would rather have my mother nagging me every day, if it would mean having her in my life again.” She was choked in tears and opted to just keep silent as she almost always did. I thanked her for what she shared and everybody inside the room learned something very valuable that day. For my part, I felt ashamed for how little importance I seem to be giving to my parents. Later that afternoon, I told my mother what happened and asked her if I could kiss and hug her.

Carlene has taught me how to value my parents. She has taught me how to be expressive and how to maximize every opportunity to let my parents know how I care for them. It has also taught me to give my parents the opportunity to know and love me.

Another student that I could never forget was rather exemplary in school. She was intelligent, sweet, friendly and a born leader. But I have encountered many similar successful students who have come and go; but she – she stood out with the strength of her character.

Her name was Joanna. She belonged to one of my favorite classes. She and her classmates were very participative in class. When given a reflection question, they hit the profound thoughts. They were sweet, fun, and light to handle. And yet there was this one trying time in class. Joanna became a whistle blower and told one of her teachers about a rampant copying happening in their class. She did not mention names. She asked the teacher if she could at least let them have a change of seating arrangement. That was all she asked. For her, it seemed unfair for those who studied and dangerous for those who cheated.

If you were in the situation, would you dare correct your classmates? Could you stand their piercing comments of being a kill joy?

She did. And that was exemplary. But what also struck me was that none of her classmates actually stood up for the right thing. In a social networking site, they gave her angry comments and blaming words. From one comment of a student, came another affirmation, another finger pointing at her. It has become a thread which nobody – nobody – ever dared stop. Nobody stood up for these students who gave me high hopes of integrity, honesty, and of good reflections. I realized that words do not make character. Words are hollow if your integrity could not withstand a trying time. It was only when I interfered in the thread of fiery comments did one of them slowly hushed the others.

My student cried so much during that week of torture. And yet, I saw how much she has handled the situation with a mature attitude. She changed sections and went on her usual exemplary life. She made friends with her classmates who have apologized to her and have accepted her apology of the hurt she caused. She made new friends, became a very active student leader and even graduated with honors, when everybody was against her; she was able to rise stronger – in character and as a person.

These are just two of the students whose stories I may not get tired to tell. Yet there are also a lot more whom I have learned so much from – working students who got the biggest gratitude for life’s littlest blessings, even if others more fortunate have disregarded the value of such blessings; students who have experienced hurts and unfair treatments in the past but have emerged more compassionate, more loving, wiser and stronger in character; and students who may be silent and unnoticeable but have genuine respect and sense of service to others.

Perhaps in years to come, I will forget a lot of details in my classes – names of students, those who got the highest grades, those who could articulate the concepts well. Years may pass and my memory may be clouded, but there will be stories which may never fade in my mind. It’s not just books and young students that I encounter in school, but lives lived. For in truth, what I learn most from my students are their strength in character molded by trying times – their contribution that I may not tire sharing for generations to come.