Benefits of Sleeping Late

Spell I-N-S-P-I-R-E-D.


:D

I've never really given much thought to some people who've inspired me to take things further. My college chemistry teacher for one. I still remember how I felt whenever she came to class. I could feel the air being sucked in by the students. Nobody breathed! That was how terrorizing she was. But that was way back in freshman year, the year when I was still a diligent newbie in the university world. I got a flat 3.0 US system from her which was difficult to get by the way. That made me highest my class. The following semester, I was to find out that she would still be my teacher in another chemistry subject. I was so depressed then. I remember thinking how unlucky I was. I went through the same rigors in her class, and managed a better 3.2 US system from none other than her again! I was so happy I thanked her profusely for being the way she was and of course, for the good marks. From that moment on, me and my classmates felt like we were her children. Every time I see her in school, we do the usual "Hey! What's up!" sort of thing good friends do while her current students cower on laboratory corners. Just this summer, she officially retired from the academe due to old age. I can't imagine the chemistry department without her. It was just a different experience with her. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually miss her classes. She was one of the best teachers I've ever known.
Recently while I was walking around school (out of school youth kasi), I saw her and I approached her. I bragged about my accomplishments and how she has helped me in everything. She was sort of my adviser back then. She often told me and my classmates to never settle for anything less than what we know we deserve. And that we need to take every opportunity around us. When we met a few weeks ago, I told her I'm not enrolled this year. She was surprised at that. And then I continued on that I'm off to Japan as an exchange student, and then we talked more. She said she was very proud of me. I give all the credits to her. Just today, we met again. She asked me when I was leaving. I said on the first of September. She then shuffled something inside her bag, and took out a crisp 500 peso bill. It was my turn to be surprised. I didn't want to accept the money, but I eventually did. I gave her a huge hug and then thanked her for everything. She gave me the money for baon to Japan. I love Ma'am Barrera.

I feel like giving her a thank you letter one of these days. If there is one thing I learned about the past, It's that letters are still better than text messages and emails. I know she will appreciate it.