“Building ridge not walls”

New Friends/Teachers

True friends are those who come unexpectedly and made a great impact into your life. The value of friendship can never be seen in happiness only, but through challenges and difficult situations. I never expected to end my internship with a heavy heart because we are about to part ways. The idea of leaving the place that once had made us bonded and united will now be left alone. It is so hard let go even if we know it was just temporary.

But even if we just met for a short period of time, the lessons, experiences and memories we had shared will continue to live in our hearts. We only had a short time to cherish everything we had in the dormitory but the moments we shared had left a memorable mark in each stories of our journey. I never expected to meet these amazing people with good personality and a heart all throughout my journey in Thailand.

Our encounter was just short lived but never the friendship. I believed it was the situation that made us closer and bonded. We shared laughter and crazy thoughts about future jobs and career. Eve Pural, Hermes Privaldos and Marian Dacara from Universidad de Santa Isabela, the university from the Philippines and Alyvia Jhuly from UNM and Anikke Fatikhatul from UII, the university in Indonesia were one of our closest friend. All of us who stayed in the dormitory had been through a lot but never leave one another.

I was also happy to get to know more about my co-Sea Teacher from University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC), Femie Goles, an English intern. Way back in college, we used to be friends but not that close. This project had brought us closer and knew each other more. We became close friends and even shared thoughts and secrets. I never expect it but I was glad we finally build bridge other than walls. We had each other by the time we were still adjusting and encounter unexpected situations. We learned to depend on one another and make things together.

It was the feeling of thoughtfulness and the encouragement we made one another felt as we stumbled on our feet and learned to get up with the help of others. Before, all I could think is going back home, but when it’s time to go home, it feels as if I’m begging to stay even for a while to spare another moment with them. Somehow, I didn’t expect to cry hard as we are about to say goodbye. It feels as if it’s a painful word to say. I really treasured these people for they showed love, care and all-out support. They even shared their own experiences with me. The attachment is so strong that I can’t think straight while packing up my things. I was so happy during our dinner together on Friday, February 01,2019, where we eat, dance and sing together while others are taking funny pictures and videos. All I could see was smile plastered on everyone’s faces. Moments like this are truly the best and unforgettable. I’ll forever be grateful to know these people.

On the second week of January, day 15th, we already had our schedule for our daily classes as well as the assigned cooperative teacher. We were so happy as Mr. Adam handed us our class schedule because finally, we can start preparing for our lesson plan and the materials to be used.

That afternoon, I met my Cooperative teacher in the English room, Aj. Jeerapun Norkaew, a science teacher in grade 11, who immediately gave me the topic to teach. i was task to teach grade 8 and 11 so, my CT gave me a topic on physics such as the light reflection and the different types of mirror and lenses for grade 8. For the grade 11, she gave me a topic on biology and it was the photosynthesis and the Calvin cycle. So, I was handling 2/2, 2/4, 2/5, 5/1, and 5/2. Every week I had ten hours in total. My CT welcome me in her class and allow me to introduce myself. Also, I observed the class project presentation and they even gave me one of their best product.

Throughout my actual teaching in VRU, I was happy to meet someone whom I could ask help about the necessary information of the topic, materials and the location of the rooms I didn’t know about. Aj. Am was a science intern just like me, who made it possible for me to have my classes done with a smile. My first encounter was never easy, I had to ask him to translate the lesson for the students to understand. I was down and guilty because I know it wasn’t the outcome I intended. So, I asked about the students that I can used to have my class more interactive and less handy.

The other one was Ploy Siri, an English intern who became not just our best buddy but a friend also. I was so thankful for everything she had done for all of us, from answering tons of questions and doing the help we needed like she never complain once even if she had to run and go somewhere else leaving her task for a moment.

These amazing people deserve more than just a recognition or an act of gratitude. I’ll be missing working with these significant people who became part of our success. I'm looking forward to cross path with them in the near future and be an advocate of education.