It is always a shock for you (and for them) when you meet your former basic education teachers wherever. Suddenly, memories and feelings from your childhood come rushing in your head--whether good or bad--and you have to choose within ten seconds between running far away as fast as you can or pretend you have been in an unfortunate accident just yesterday and it erased all memories of you with them so you won’t have to say an excruciating “hi.”
In my case though, it was a lot more grave than this scenario. God had a plan to shake my insides with the comeback of this woman in my life. Dr. Elsa Borja was my Grade 2 teacher in a nearby school in our neighborhood in Paranaque. I was able to recognize her at first glance, while she took her time in remembering who I was sans the curly hair and dark complexion I sported when I was much young-er. Now, she is the principal of the school where I work and it is a blessing to have her on our team, as a mentor and a semi-mother. Here is a glimpse of who this rather finesse and kalog woman of education and woman of God is. This is the #ElsaIsMeant2DoGr8Things
1. When did you learn you wanted to become a teacher?
During my internship and off campus experiences. I didn’t want to be a teacher before. All I wanted was to attend CEU, whatever course. But I was also grateful to have been admitted to PNS--now PNU and study education. I didn’t want to teach then but later on, I found it an exciting and fulfilling thing to teach and to share knowledge to the students.
2. Tell us your most memorable experience as a teacher.
It was the year end party of the Grade one students I handled, it felt very fulfilling that all of my students were already able to read. Masarap pag lahat sila pag-alis sa’yo, nakakabasa na. Also, the Grade 2 class I handled cried at the end of classes because they didn’t want to be separated from me.
3. What do you think is your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?
My greatest strength would be sharing to others—what I know and what I have. My weakness is a positive weakness, (which is) sharing to others until I have nothing left. Sinasabihan nga ako ng mga anak ko, na ako daw yung tipong “Hindi nadadala.”
4. If you were to be the chairman of the Department of Education (DepEd) for a month, what would you implement?
Professional ethics for teachers, because ethics would teach all of us teachers to be accountable for all we do.
5. If you were not a principal, or a teacher today, what do you think you would be instead?
A dancer. (laughs) I used to admire Juliet Krauss, as a professional and very good choreographer, or I can become a singer. I used to join singing contests. When I was in grade school, I was in a band singing rock and roll music by Elvis Presley. Unfortunately for me, I lost my voice when I gave birth to my first child.
6. What was your greatest realization when you became a teacher and a mother at the same time?
Mas masarap palang dalaga ka (laughs) iba kase yung excitement sa magboyfriend, iba yung may anak na, may responsibility eh… but I was able to perform my responsibility as a mother because of my experiences as a teacher. It was a big help.
7. What will be your advice for a young, new aspiring teacher?
Be committed in what you do and keep on praying for the different challenges that you will meet along the way.
8. A principal is usually thought as a strict and disciplined authority figure, but what would be the sweet side of Dr. Elsa?
I am thoughtful and loving.
9. Why did you choose to be a principal in Christian Faith Academy this school year 2016-2017?
It’s not a choice, I was driven to the school and this is my second chance to be in a Christian school as well.
10. How do you think this new school year will be different and special?
We will be having a new set of teachers from the new generation and with a different set of students
11. Why will you advice parents to go for a Christian school?
There is an effort to nurture an increasing faith in God and children will more directed and guided. Also, naka-base lahat ng ginagawa at itinuturo ng school sa biblical scriptures, but of course, we are still a non-sectarian school. We cater to all children brought up with different religions and from different backgrounds.
12. What do you want for your birthday?
A house and lot in Tagaytay! (laughs) Good health and a long life.
Christian Faith Academy is a non-sectarian school focused on giving children an excellent and above standard academic learning and biblical-based values education, enriching lives to be prepared in being good citizens of the twenty-first century.
Enrollment is still on-going. Call 822-2366 or visit the school site at 147 Peru St. Annex 35 Better Living Subdivision, Paranaque City, at the back of East West Bank Dona Soledad and in front of PureGold.
