The Front Liner behind

Post date: Mar 29, 2017 1:02:34 AM

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

“They light the path you’re taking and watch you as you spread your wings.”

Every day, I have a fruitful conversation with my family. Since all of us in the family are teachers, our usual topic is about education, school, students, and the likes. One time, I heard my father told my mom, “Look at us…already left behind by our students.” I raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?” He replied, “I mean, left behind to watch the front line.”

Confused. That’s what I felt that time. As he explained, I gradually got his point. Teachers were literally left behind in terms of the professions their students gained. Their former students became doctors, lawyers, engineers, or so much more. They received higher compensation in terms of money. Yet, they could never beat the achievement of their teachers for they will never be where they are if not because of the latter.

Our former teachers are the people who were once behind our backs. They are the people who lifted us and guided us in making our small beginnings. In fact, in spite of being molded and honed by different hands, I can still clearly recall how my kindergarten teacher taught me the foundation she had built on me. I know she is watching over me.

Indeed, if one could turn back the pages of their lives, each leaf won’t be complete without the first page of the book.

Hence, a person’s life is like reading a book. Relative to teachers, students leave their teachers behind in order to spread their wings but will certainly be returning to their front liners.

Oftentimes, we usually have to love the content first before we bother to check who the author was. I just hope, students remember the front liners they left behind and give them the front seats on their autograph signing.