Cassandra in Uniform

Post date: Nov 28, 2017 1:30:32 AM

By: Aisee Paguio Cruz, MAEd, BNHS T-III

As a teacher, we should always have a contingency plan. However, the plan would not be that effective if we are not that good in foreseeing the future. Having that idea, I cannot help but remember Cassandra in Mythology.

In my exposure to literature, I encountered several versions explaining the gift and curse of Cassandra but the most popular one is that God Apollo fell in love with her and granted her with the gift of prophecy. But Cassandra denied the God which made him place a curse on her that no one would believe her words or her predictions.

What is the relevance of Cassandra to teaching? We are known to be the source of information. But unlike Cassandra, people believe in what we say. Thus, our words are powerful. They make great impacts into the lives of many. Knowing that, we should be cautious, certain, and confident of what to say or impart.

However, nowadays, I noticed that students lack their faith to their teachers. How can I say so? Because although we always tell them the importance of education, they still do not have their focus and attention to it. If they believe in what we say, they would not be included in the list of dropouts, retained, and conditionals. Sad to say, but it seems like they do not have much trust in our words anymore. Even though we told them the possible consequences of their complacency toward their studies, they do not make positive actions to save themselves. All of a sudden, we became Cassandra.

Consequently, we are in despair for not being trusted of what we tell our students. Nonetheless, in my point of view, we should not feel that way, rather, it should serve as a challenge. It should be used as an instrument for us to keep our principles and virtues in spite of students’ lack of faith or trust in what we say. Our integrity should remain intact despite of the knowledge that they will not believe us. We should be like Cassandra who still tells the truth though doubted. Cassandra who speaks the truth beyond miserable doubt.

To clip it short, truth is not measured by the number of believers but one’s ability to remain a believer in spite of seeing people turning their backs. Make the uncertain future a vivid road for our students by providing them constant support, guidance, and inspiration. Let us not wear our uniform in vain. Let us wear it with grace and time will come to praise.”