As cliche as this may sound (in reference not just to the succeeding statement but also to the "as cliche as it may sound" phrase since its so often said that it's becoming a cliche in itself), I knew from the very moment that I woke up that this day was going to be special. You see, I have been anticipating the great 5am wake up call all week. I thought it was going to be the struggle of a lifetime to get out of bed since I have been religiously waking up no earlier than 12nn for 4 whole months now! But no! By some work of divine providence, I woke up without the help of an alarm clock at 5am on the dot! It was as if my body had timed itself perfectly for my big first day at work! I got up, took a bath, jumped into my impressive first day work clothes (purple blouse, black slacks and studded belt to add some youthfulness and funk). I even had time to dry my hair and eat breakfast leisurely! I was backing out of the garage by 6:05am!
When I got there at around 6:40, I didn't know at all what to expect! I went to the security office to get my ID but they couldn't find it so I logged in using a temporary log-in form. Saw some old familiar faces from the orientation of the new hires, as well as a bunch of other security personnel putting on their cool chest gear... or whatever those black pouch thingies they strap onto their chests are! then I went off to look for the Elementary School department... which was quite a challenge, because the place was HUGE. add to that the fact that every hallway looks patently the same! white walls with green trimmings. I actually ran into some newbies twice as I brisk walked in and out of the ISM hallways... until at last, I found it: The Elementary School Faculty Room.
The scene that I walked into was quite a thrill. Instead of the quiet boring hallway that I first encountered it to be during my orientation and interviews, the place was filled with an electrified buzzing, composed of well-delivered jokes, some fun vacation stories, the sounds of hugs and kisses, cheers of excitment over seeing familiar faces again... all from the animated bunch of teaching assistants... it was literally, a first day high!
And to my surprise, as the foreign bosses come in (aka the Teachers, Principals, Program Heads and the like), they are greeted by a warm hug and beso on the cheek from the Filipino TA's AND vice versa! It seemed like such a happy tight-knit group. We newcomers sat on the round table, observing with obvious fondness and fascination for the scene happening before our eyes! I was so preoccupied with my excited thoughts that I didn't realize the room had suddenly gotten considerably quiet and almost empty, save for the Learning Support crew I was hanging out with! So, I ran out of the faculty room and immediately made my way to the PRESCHOOL DEPARTMENT, where I was luckily reassigned to (was supposed to be in Kinder) by the very nice, intuitive and somewhat soft-spoken Michael Rourke (ES Asst. Principal). More about him soon, I expect! :)
As I walk into the fairly simple glass doors of the charming Preschool classrooms, I was immediately welcomed with waves, smiles and excited "Hello Carol!"s from my co-teaching assistants, Karen (from UP), Resh (from UA&P) and Tina (from Beda)! It was such a relief! I have always prayed for warm and welcoming colleagues who could make the whole socialization process easier for me. And I must say, Karen is getting the much celebrated "GOLD STAR!" But if you think the warm welcomes end there, you're wrong! When the teachers came in and saw me, they looked like a bunch of excited 5 year olds meeting a new friend! Teacher Nat ran to me and hugged me! So did Teacher Katherine! Matt (the teacher Karen and I were assigned to) of course, simply shook my hand and gave me a big charming smile and an equally warm welcome! We made a little small talk and I told them, with utmost sincerity, how so very happy and excited I was to be there!
After some more small talk with the other TA's, we headed to the Fine Arts Theater (FAT) to listen to David Toze, the ISM Superintendent (sort of like the President). I must say, he is also quite an interesting character to talk about. His speech was filled with wittiest of humors and the most charming description of the school's accomplishments thus far and goals for the year. He introduced all the new faculty members, each and everyone coupled with some fascinating or comical description of sorts! It even included an update on the recent marital status of several of the faculty members, including our very own Matt, who apparently got married just last July to another teacher from the middle school (So cute! He was actually arranging a day for the TA's to see his wedding pictures!). The most touching part of his speech was probably his emphasis on accepting students of all contexts, races, and physical or cognitive capabilities and really making the classroom a place where they could thrive and grow as persons. According to him, though the move will cost a lot of money, it was money that he was very willing to spend. And I must say, integration is quite an amazing and noble endeavor and I am all for it. He ended his speech with a reminder for each one to always look for something to love about what he/she is doing. Never live to work, because work is simply a means to an end. Live doing something that you love to do every single day. He, and I'm sure, most of the people in the room with me at that time, would agree. Apparently, he'd already said the exact same parting words the previous year. I didn't care. As long as I got to hear it!
Needless to say, I was excited and inspired. And we weren't even halfway through the day yet!
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To be continued...
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I shall end here for now. It's already past 11pm. I'm afraid if I break my sleeping pattern, my early bird goals might not come into fruition! So off to bed I go! Will talk more first day highs soon!
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