February 3. I woke up early and waited for it to come. I kept myself busy, but my senses were heightened. 3am…4am…5am…I think to myself, “Maybe not today” Then, finally, the rain! I closed my eyes, a smile, and a prayer on my lips. “Thank you, God, for Your abundant blessings. Thank you for another year!” Southdale Integrated School is 15!
This time every year for the past 15 years, the rain comes. The first time it happened, someone told me the rains symbolized good luck. Since then, funny as it may seem, gray clouds on our anniversary have made me happy. Sometimes the rains come in a barely-there drizzle, and sometimes in full force. But it always, always comes. I construe it as a gentle reminder that I am indeed blessed.
This is my dream come true. When I started Southdale in 2003, it was with the intent to offer families an alternative school, one that was more fitting to the changing profile of the Filipino student.
I wanted to challenge the traditional education system, and introduce a progressive approach. I wanted learning to be interactive, exciting, fun and relevant. I wanted to initiate a paradigm shift — to push people to go beyond their comfort zones of what they knew schools to be, to accept innovation in teaching methods, and to challenge conventional practices.
I wanted to remove the competitive culture inside classrooms, and instead promote an environment of cooperation and encouragement among the students. I wanted teachers who knew each and every student in class, treated them with respect, and cared enough not to leave anyone behind.
And more than anything, I wanted to have a school for all, where everyone is welcome, and treated with dignity.
It was a very tall order, and I needed every ounce of determination and courage I could muster. It has not been an easy 15 years. There have been many ups and downs, especially when the jarring reality of managing a school business set in.
But the joys have far outweighed the bad days. Southdale students become confident individuals who are curious life-long learners, are not afraid to speak, and are not afraid to ask. Southdale students and pupils are kind and tolerant, they see no difference between and among themselves and others who have disabilities or who may be less-fortunate. Hundreds of children have passed through our classrooms, and every end of the school year, we tell ourselves, “We have done well.”
Southdale could have remained just a dream, if not for a special group of people who supported me, guided me, and took the uncertain journey with me. “Forever grateful” does not even begin to describe how I feel.
Pecos and Leng Avenido, thank you for believing in and sharing my vision. You gave me the strength to go on when things got rough. You are the most loyal friends I have ever had. Both of you are my human footprints-in-the-sand story.
Rowena Repe, Merle Fernandez, Shwa Locsin, and Beth Barbour – the first Southdale core group. I couldn’t have been any luckier to have had you to start my journey with. I could never have done any of this without you. Southdale is what it is because of you. You walked with me, held my hands, and helped me achieve my dreams. You set the standard for excellence. Thank you. Much as I miss you and think of you often, it is now my turn to support your respective dreams.
Aileah Oyos-Abugan, Rose Buenavista, Shiela Garganian, and Thea Calugcugan – the current Southdale core group, and my most senior teachers. You have stepped-up so much, and have proven yourselves to be capable leaders. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and dedication. Let’s keep working together for our Southdale children.
To all the teachers who have been part of Southdale, especially Domz Tuason, Greg Canete, Elilene Sobere-Yu, Janjan Cabuenas, Bem Dela Rita, Jackie Paalaman, Jayzel Ventolero, Joey Melon, thank you. You have left a mark that will never be forgotten. I know that wherever you go, the students you have will be wonderful human beings because of you.
To Atty. Natus Rodriguez and Arnie Macapagal, thank you for joining me in this journey. I am looking forward to the new chapter of Southdale with you. Here’s looking at the next 15 years!
To all Southdale students, parents, and friends for the past 15 years, you will never know the depth of my gratitude. I remember each of you, your stories, and your happy endings. I could not have chosen a better group of people to serve. I pray that we have changed your life for the better, and that what you learned in Southdale will always serve you well. You have enriched our lives just by being in it.
To my children Zaki, Shadid, Yaqin, Yamina and Ilan, thank you for being my amazing support crew. I have tried my best to be a 24/7/365 mother while being a 24/7/365 teacher. I know I have failed many times, but you have never complained nor made me ever choose between you and the school. I am even more blessed to have good kids like you. You are my inspiration.
To my husband Erwin, thank you for giving me the freedom to pursue my dream. You have calmly taken the backseat while I took the wheel full speed.
It’s been an emotional day for me. I found myself blinking back tears throughout the day. I have had continuous flashbacks from as far back as 2003, clear pictures of Southdale’s history. In the past weeks, I have been randomly bumping into old students, parents, and teachers who have become forever friends. My heart is bursting with love, gratitude, and humility. I can’t believe it’s been 15 years.
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