“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
This quote by William Butler Yeats beautifully encapsulates the essence of education as more than just the acquisition of knowledge; it’s about igniting a lifelong curiosity and passion for learning. As a teacher, I’ve always strived to instill this mindset in my students, and recently, I had the privilege of witnessing its profound impact on one of our learners, John Paul.
John Paul’s experience was eye-opening. Assigned to work in a popular café as part of his academic requirement in the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood track, he gained a newfound appreciation for his parents’ hard work. John Paul saw firsthand the challenges his mother, a saleslady, faced daily. Her long hours and physical demands mirrored those he experienced during his immersion.
John Paul’s journey of immersion in a real-world setting not only expanded his horizons but also ignited a newfound appreciation for the values of hard work, empathy, and gratitude. Listening to John Paul share his reflections after undergoing immersion in one of our partner institutions was one of those moments that warm your heart and reaffirm your dedication to education.
Listening to John Paul, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. Our educational system had given him the opportunity to explore, venture out, and apply his classroom knowledge to the real world. John Paul’s journey was a testament to the value of experiential learning.
His reflections also highlighted the importance of fostering soft skills in our learners. As educators, we often focus on imparting knowledge. Still, it’s equally important to instill values like empathy, gratitude, and hard work.
John Paul’s story is not just his own – it’s a reminder to us all of the impact education can have. It’s about shaping not just the mind, but also the heart. John Paul’s journey has inspired me to continue providing our learners with opportunities to learn, grow, and appreciate the world around them.
July 27, 2024
