Grad School Essay

Luceat Lux!

Most of my friends in college have asked me why I am applying in the Graduate school of Ateneo. Honestly, I did not foresee myself applying in Graduate School as early as now, given that I just graduated last March. I knew I wanted to attend further studies but I was still uncertain when I would pursue it .On the other hand, what became clearer to me as graduation came near was that I felt happy imagining myself as a teacher. I took a three-unit course on the Principles and Methods of Teaching during my last semester in college and I had a wonderful time. Our professor was inspiring and she made me realize my potential as a teacher. This prompted me to apply to different schools that were in the job fair. I went through the whole application process from the interviews to the class demonstrations and eventually, I was hired. I have been coming to work for almost a month now and I realized I have yet to learn many things. With enthusiasm, I am determined to find ways to learn more in order for me to teach more.

At this time, I intend to pursue graduate studies primarily to attain the academic load necessary for me to file for the Licensure exam for teachers by next year. This is required from me as a new teacher in the school where I am employed at. Moreover, I realized I would become the best teacher I can be by continuously learning through further studies. I particularly want to pursue a master’s degree in Basic Education Teaching because this is in line with my passion for teaching children. This will enhance the skills, abilities and the values I possess. I enjoy interacting with different kinds of people. I can facilitate groups and manage a bunch of kids. I can also be creative in thinking of ways to help another person learn. Graduate studies as early as now will definitely help in enhancing my potential as a teacher, given that I will be teaching this school year already.
Although I know it will not be that easy to balance work and study, I believe I would benefit more since the two complement each other. One may have the potential to be a teacher, but teaching is still a skill that could be learned. Like what Mr. Harry Wong said, I’m not here to question if you are a good teacher or not. The question is if you are a successful one. Do you have any impact? Everyone can be an effective teacher. If one is sincere in being the best teacher she can be, she should find all means to learn more in order to be able to give more. When I was in college, the motto was “Lux in Domino” (Be the Light of the World.) Now that I am still in a Jesuit school, the motto is “Luceat Lux” (Let Your Light Shine.) In order for me to bring out the best in my students, I need to bring out the best in myself first. One concrete step in doing so is applying for further studies.

An Ateneo Graduate education will help significantly in my profession given the fact that I am teaching in a Jesuit school also. The values that Ateneo uphold to are the values our school is upholding. One concrete example is the inclusion of a course on Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm in the list of courses offered in the Department of Education. Furthermore, as a graduate of Ateneo already, I have come to appreciate the formation that the school strives to instill in its students. Ateneo is also known for academic excellence. One becomes more equipped to be a catalyst of change in the country with an Ateneo Graduate degree.

;) (I just hope I make it.)