The more you teach, the more you learn

According to Keiichi Kobayashi, the protégé effect refers to how people learn by direct teaching. Last October 13, that was exactly how I felt.

IN PHOTO: Me, together with my fellow facilitators last October 13 during the Polaris Press Conference at Dasmarinas North National High School.

Photo courtesy of Mr. Henry Grucen

That day, I had the privilege and honor of becoming one of the resource speakers at the 2nd Polaris Press Conference of Dasmarinas North National High School for the second time.

This is not the first time that I stood in front of young, aspiring journalists to teach about Editorial Writing. Believe me, I have been doing this for as long as I can remember. All I know is just I love being a mentor, and pretty much half of my life revolves around it.

Earlier that day, it felt like a literal roller-coaster. A sudden earthquake, which headlines referred to as a 5.2 magnitude-strong one, shook me as I was on a jeepney headed to my alma mater. I thought to myself, “Will the event be cancelled?,” “How are the kids?”, "Are we going to be safe?". Nevertheless, I still decided to go and see for myself.

As I entered the gate of the school, tons of high school memories flashed back in my head. Time flew so fast. Who would have thought that I would be in my fourth year in college at the snap of a finger? I cannot help but to feel thankful. It was really nostalgic and heartwarming.

Upon coming inside the Special Program for Journalism (SPJ) Office of the school, I was cheerfully welcomed by my former School Paper Advisers (SPAs), Mr. Henry Grucen and Ms. Angela Timan. At that moment, I felt happy and loved. Other than missing them, I felt proud of what they do for the student journalists. The fact that our school now has an SPJ truly brought a smile to my face.

The program started not long after. Together with my former division facilitators who are now my fellow resource speakers and mentors, I climbed the next school building and went straight to my assigned room. Seeing the 'Editorial - Ma'am Shaine Bautista' poster on the door made me giddy. The room was empty at first, but after a few minutes, around 40 students came in one by one and greeted me politely. Apart from their bright smiles, what made my heart flutter the most was that two of the students were also present last year. Both were able to recognize me and said, "Kayo po 'yung last year 'di ba, Ma'am? Naalala po namin kayo".

As I begin my lecture in Editorial Writing, I suddenly missed high school life. Amidst my busy college life these days, that day made me pause, reflect, and ignite the campus journalist in me. I, too, was reminded of how to write a good editorial. As the Chief Editor of my school, that speaking engagement was also an opportunity for myself to review the basic principles of journalism. Honestly, just because I was already a mentor does not mean I already know everything. There is always something more there to learn.

The judging time came. I checked and ranked the papers of the students. There are many rooms for improvement, but there is potential, too. I believe they can be better, as long as they are guided and nurtured. After an hour of judging, we went to the gymnasium and proceeded to the awarding ceremony.

As I unexpectedly heard the names of the two students as the winners, I was overjoyed. They were concrete proof that somehow, I was able to effectively teach them. It means they were able to keep the learnings they had from me last year until today. That day, I learned the best thing about what I do - I am able to leave a mark in their hearts. That alone is more than enough for me.