The Day I Left Public School: The Bravest Decision of My Life

 

What single decision will I make today? These are the words of Michael Hyatt as I came across a reading selection about bravery. This also leads me to reflect, "What single decision will I make today?

Bravery comes in different forms: however, no matter what form it is, we cannot change the fact that bravery is one of the hardest thing to do in our lifetime. It will take a lot thinking before you come up with such decision.

As for me, leaving Kapitolyo High School probably is one of the bravest decision I made in my lifetime. In the Philippines, some think that being a teacher in a public school is the end line for a teacher. Most neophyte in the field work hard to be in a public school. 

The public school will offer you better compensation and security as you settle for your retirement. It is considered to be an end line because once you're in, You will definitely want to stay because of the security it offers. The temptation of the saying, "grow where you are planted," is also strong because there is a lot of venue for you to grow professionally in the public school.

In addition is the difficulty of being in the public school in the Philippines. Tons of documents or certifications must be submitted for you to reach a certain point to be accepted. Plus the fact that you must be a board passer for you to be considered.

I remember that was when the initial offering of the Senior High School when I decided to apply for a public school teacher post in the municipality of Pasig. I took the chance without any expectations because I was a college instructor back then, and tertiary level institutions during that will not be having any enrollees for two years because of the implementation of the Senior High School level.

Luckily, among the thousands of applicants, I was accepted and assigned to Kapitolyo High School in central part of Pasig City. I was indeed excited because it was my first time to teach in a public school for I've been teaching in the private school for 5 years during that time.  

As years go by, I experienced the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows. Eventually, Kapitolyo High School became my comfort zone. Though, I was able to gain friends and enemies, I also earned the most trusted set of friends that I ever had in my entire life. Both colleagues and students became so meaningful to me. Despite that, I was on my saturation point. 

On my 5th year with Kapitolyo High School, I made my decision. This decision was a product of a very long reflection on what path will I be taking. I believe it to be the bravest decision I ever made in my entire life. At the age of 35, I might be thinking of settling down to a single institution until my retirement: however, the urge to grow professionally and try other things beyond my comfort zone is stronger. 

Was it easy? Of course not! It took me a year to gather all my courage on this decision because I am fully aware of the consequences if I fail. Nevertheless, I realized that "joy is a decision, a really brave one about how are you going to respond to the so-called life."

My takeaways in this situation are:

1. All progress begins with a brave decision. There will always be pros and cons so be ready to face them along the way.

2. You're not too old to make bold decisions. Age is just a number. It's better to fail that to live a life full of regrets.

3. Always be kind to yourself. People may see your decision as illogical or impractical but it's your life. You are the better judge of your situation not them.