It’s been a while. I know I am confident that getting back to school was like the same feeling 21 years ago, but I was mistaken. This is completely different in so many levels.

I recalled I have not finished a book since I started working night shift. Recently, I get bored on lengthy readings because possibly, I started to get the habit of only browsing write ups and stories from my phone which will not require me to spend an enormous time. Also, time pressure is never like this way back. The sense of urgency seeps through even when I am at work. I’m still in the process of managing that and I’m sure, I’ll handle it soon.

I thought I knew plenty but I totally realize I know less. The week’s learning was simply the foundation but it got me to think things in different angles and made me question myself. It prompted me to do some diggings to satisfy my curiosity. This was a excellent mental exercise that warmed up my critical thinking and outlook.

“Oh, so this what it feels like!”
They say, you are never prepared enough for anything. I’d like to thinks that it’s true. Good thing, I am emotionally prepared for this journey. Now, it’s never about the money in order for me to go to school but my certainty and resolve to win this over.

I will be a professional educator and I am only starting. That is a non negotiable I set for myself.

The top challenge I have for the week was the loss of power for almost four days due to the the volcano threatening to erupt any time now. I have a deadline to meet! Quitting never came to mind though. I became resourceful.
I am grateful to have a generous company that allows us to use an internet connection for meaningful purposes. During those days when I cannot even power up my laptop, I head to work 2 hours early before my shift to do some catching up.

Now, I am getting the feel of how my journey progresses for the rest of the semester. I am amazed on how my co learners perceive ideas and share their thoughts by readings their posts. In a way, I get to know them a little bit and I am liking this group of people I am learning with.

Looking forward for the upcoming week’s learning adventure.

I only just begun.

I’m Ivony Bretana. You may call me “Ate Von” and I will be your Graveyard Chronicler for this semester.

Getting back on the saddle has been my postponed aspiration for 17 years because of set priorities and financial situations. After graduation, for easy money, I landed a job in a BPO industry and thrived in that environment for 15 years burning my midnight candle to survive.

I thought I am all good and settled in the kind work that I do but I felt I needed to be somebody else. Since I cannot simply get off the job that pays my bills and keeps me going, I took on a promoted role of being a process coordinator- the closest I can get of becoming an educator.

I never felt so accomplished and joyous whenever I see someone’s eyes sparkle when I teach something that changes their perspectives . I take pride in honing my skills of being a coach and a mentor because I know I have a lot to offer in order to touch more lives.

I am not getting any younger but I never lost hope of one day be given a chance to hone a set of intellectual and responsible younger generations. UP Open University will serve as my vessel to still continue reshaping my impending hopes and aspirations.

Through the course of this semester, I’d be gladly sharing my thoughts and experiences in this journey while I still work full time in a job that makes me stay up late at night. It is challenging to keep both my motivation and sanity in balance when we know most of the time, I lack the necessary sleep and satisfying rest.

Join me and learn from my experience. I hope this will inspire people who never think it’s too late to start with our own hopes and dream profession.

I’ll keep you all posted. Stay tuned!