We are living in a historical period of this new century. Amid all these, quietly and resiliently, there is a vocation that carries on in its mission of forming the present and succeeding generation in braving the storm: teachers.

Proudly, I am the son of one.

My mother, Fe Urbiztondo de Jesus, has been a teacher since 1987 when she started her career at the University of Santo Tomas teaching in college, as well as at De La Salle University’s Writing Lab. Then, a year after I was born, she began her 27-year career at the Ateneo de Manila High School.

Mama’s daily routine began very early, with her rising between 4 and 5 a.m. to prepare not only for her work, but also for the needs of our family. She was my father’s right hand in running our small food businesses.

Before 6 a.m., she would have already gone to the Ateneo to avoid the infamous Katipunan traffic. I think she was almost never tardy. At 7 a.m., she was at the chapel for daily Mass.

Formidable mentor

Mama took her vocation very seriously. In return, she was assigned to be the class moderator of honors and semi-honors sections and was also the moderator of the Ateneo de Manila High School Debate Society, a position she held for 20 years. The awards and accolades, not to mention the awesome orators and debaters produced by that organization, speak volumes of Mama’s excellence.

She taught English, and she served as a formidable mentor for both her students and colleagues. She’s the only person I know who can immediately recognize if a Shakespearean line—nay, a soliloquy—is being quoted in a movie. She would recite along, having memorized it by heart.

She has served our country through countless teacher formation seminars, bringing her to different parts of the Philippines. She also began a project for international immersion for students by partnering with the British Council and being a chaperone to places like the United Kingdom and Italy.

When she filed for early retirement in 2017, it was said to be the end an era. “Ma’am Fe,” as she was known, has moved on to forge newer paths.

When I asked her then why she was filing for early retirement, she told me she didn’t want to age and be unable to do new things. The fighting spirit of the girl from Surigao is indefatigable.

Now, in her “retirement,” she has taken on a string of teaching and administrative posts in different institutions. She is also the head of the ministry of lectors at our cathedral parish. It is her faith that enables her to juggle her many roles as teacher, administrator, mother, wife and sister to 10 siblings.

Now, in the time of a pandemic, she hasn’t stopped. In fact, she continues to thrive in her vocation.

Building character

Despite the many challenges of teaching from home, I can still witness the dedication of my mother to the vocation she has embraced.

Back at the Ateneo, she had a reputation of being formidable and demanding. A mere whiff of plagiarism, and she knew what to do. She could tell when a student cheated, when the writing style suddenly changed. And now, even when there’s temptation to let students get off the hook, she stands her ground and remains true to the foundations of being a teacher.

Compassion is not about coddling. She sees her role as a teacher during this pandemic as a chance to build character, to strengthen minds and hearts, and to expand her students’ horizons even if they’re locked down at home.

Until today, she burns the midnight oil researching stories, texts and other media to inspire and teach her students. Mama’s love for her students is based on conviction, the conviction that our world can change through teaching that is effective, transformative and life-giving.

Mama personifies a bit of the old school, but also that of a progressive mindset (though maybe not the technique). No wonder she exhibits and exudes joy. It is because she is surrounded by young people all the time, and she remains open to hearing their aspirations, anxieties and questions.

Apart from all these, she takes care of my father, who is sick with an ailment that is strenuous for everyone in the family. But that has never deterred her. Her online classes continue to be prompt and on time.

She, along with countless other teachers, is a model both for young people and adult. It is through teaching that we hope to see a better future. —CONTRIBUTED