Teaching at Trường Tương Lai

Dearest Trường Tương Lai

It’s been only a short while since I left Trường Tương Lai, yet I find my thoughts drifting back to those halls and familiar faces every day. How does one begin to express gratitude for a place and people who welcomed a stranger and transformed them, filling their days with meaning and warmth? I will try, though I know I will only scratch the surface of what I truly feel.

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When I arrived, full of the anxiety that only the unknown can bring, it was the school heads and teachers who first extended their kindness, who met my uncertainties with open arms. I must thank Mr. Marcelo, whose unwavering commitment to the students and whose gentle, guiding presence created an environment in which learning seemed to pulse with life itself. And Ms. Mai, with that keen insight and attentiveness, always seemed to know just what each student needed—even myself, who was there to teach but ended up learning more than I ever expected.

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And then there were my students 6C and 8D. Oh, how they surprised me. There is a vibrancy to youth, a rawness that neither pretense nor adulthood has dulled. Each student I met added a new shade to my experience, their energy, creativity, and drive not only enriched every activity but showed me the beauty of ambition when paired with a generous spirit. Their patience, humor, and perspective made even the simplest days something I looked forward to.

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Then there were those casual moments—the friendly talks in the corridors, the laughter shared between classes, the mutual glances of understanding when the day had worn long. These students and their genuine warmth have woven themselves into my memory, a constant reminder of all that is good in the world.

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And to all at Trường Tương Lai and SEAMEO who spearheaded this program, I owe so much. Each of you—students, teachers, staff—has a unique place in my heart. You have given me not just memories but a new perspective, a reminder of what teaching and learning are truly about. I came to share knowledge, but I found that I received a kind of wisdom that books alone could never teach.

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And to those back home in the Philippines who made this journey possible, my teachers especially—Sir Louie, Ma'am Jahnese, Ma'am Dials, Sir Jay Ar, Sir Ghie, Sir Eli, Sir Dacanay, Sir Bert, Sir Lasaten, Sir Oamil, Sir James, Sir Hendrick, Ma'am Riel, Sir Vallente, Sir Fabre, Sir Romeo, Ma'am Lejano, Ma'am Rahon, Sir Randy, Ma'am Najorda, Sir Sacramed, Sir CJ, Sir Metiam, Sir Vernon, Ma'am Arellano, Sir Calzada, Sir Dave, Sir Edrian, Sir Neil, Sir Blanco, Sir Charbel, Sir Romel—, my friends—Genie, Austin, Neil, Lance, Glendale, Mitchell, Tristan, Rogelyn, Jan Red, Lyka, Angelica, Hans Dehart, Bernice, Diko, Josh, Abaton, Betty, Cherizze, Kriselle, Almie, Sam, Oz, Gerick, John, Sands, Phia, Karl, Majub, Hans, Rhea, Krizelle, Maica, Verna, Enrick, Zeus, and to all of my classmates from English section B—, and my family—Papa, Mama, Najah, Zyra, Zylene, Zyrille, Banding, Mama Donna, Uncle Randy and to all my cats.

I extend my deepest gratitude. Without your unwavering support, this experience, with all its revelations and joys, would not have come to life. You each played a part in helping me carry the courage and openness I needed to make the most of my time here. Thank you for believing in me, for cheering me on, and for helping me understand the beauty of teaching, both near and far.

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How strange to feel this sense of longing already. I leave with a heart filled with gratitude and a quiet hope that, one day, our paths may cross again.

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Forever grateful,

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Karl