Sending My love and Goodbyes

• “Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting.” -J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan)

The attached video above is the actual footage of us saying goodbye to our co-sea teachers and also to our new family.

During my first stay in Indonesia, I was just thinking of going back home in the Philippines because I miss my family so much and the food as well. But that kind of mindset has changed when we met Mr. Mustamin and his family. They are really accommodating and they treated us as their true family. My first day at my assigned school stressed me out because I don’t know how to communicate with them and I started to overthink, like, how will they understand me? will they treat me as their real teacher? and how will I survive my stay here? A lot of things are getting in my mind and that night I was crying. But, of course, I chose this path and I need to be strong and apply the skills that I have to show my skills in teaching. I take this as a challenge for me to prove that I am an effective teacher that can adapt in different culture and environment. Afterwards, it goes smoothly because I was able to adjust quickly and thought of bringing pride to my school and to my family as well.

A lot of things I have learned from the SEA Teacher Program, First, I’ve learned to be independent and flexible in my field. I didn’t just improved my skills in teaching but I also improved being with other races. Second, I was able to improved my skills in Bahasa Indonesia because every time I teach my students, I code switch for them to understand me and the lesson as well. Lastly, I’ve learned to appreciate other cultures. Honestly, I thought Indonesia is not a safe place, I thought people will try to fool us because we are outsiders and because of the difference between religion and the language barrier. However, I was wrong because as soon as we arrived in Kendari, they already served us foods and they make sure that all our needs are provided. I am very thankful to our coordinator, Deans, and our buddies from Universitas Halu Oleo because they make sure we are safe and enjoy our stay.

To the coordinators from SEA teacher program, I am thankful for this opportunity that you have given us. This will not just serve as a training for us but an enjoying journey that will treasure forever. We didn’t just learned from this program but we made a new family. A family that I will be forever thankful of. Again, Thank you so much!