“I am not what I am now, had I not lived at MSS”

MSS or Marcelo Spinola School is the only Spinola School in the Philippines. It is handled by Spinola Sisters, which originated from Spain. I believe they have scores of schools there.

The school was built during the time when Ipil was raided by the Abu Sayyaf. But despite the event, the school opened by June 1995. At the time, I was in my 3rd year college at Western Mindanao State University in Zamboanga City. I really never heard of the school during that year. When I was on fourth year in Secondary Education course, Sister Myrna, who has been a close friend of mine, way back my high school life, told to a friend that I call up their convent if I’d be willing to teach in Spinola School. I was somehow excited because my first year of teaching would be in my hometown. I would also like to give my first shot in teaching in a private school. Sister Milflor was the principal when I applied there. After my teaching demonstration, I was hired.

Valuable were the memories I have in Spinola. In my first day of teaching, I experienced a different kind of environment. There were many smart students, and yet the simplicity and serenity of life could be felt. There were no tensions. All there was was a friendly environment. The Sisters really believed in my capacity. They gave me teaching loads not only in Science but also in English. I didn’t know that I could be a language teacher. I was even sent to trainings for further enhancement of my competence, and I thought it worked out for me. I also have learned how to share my thoughts candidly. Thanks to our BEC sessions. I also experienced handling a difficult case among some students. But it caused me my migraine.

Teaching science is my forte. I would not have been what I am in science now, had I not been given the opportunity to polish my learning through teaching all science curricular subjects. Now, I am enjoying the gains of my learning in Spinola. I recently passed the Comprehensive Exams in Science Education. I authored the making of indigenous science instructional materials in the school where I teach now and the 4th grading Science I Regional lesson plans. I brought my students last year to Baguio City as regional delegate to the 4th National Science Fair.

Perhaps, every member of the Spinola Community from 1997 to 2000 learned about my sad parting with the school. But however that might have been handled or whatever could have been the cause, I believe it was God’s providence that I leave the school I love to work with and be somewhere and do the same ministry or even better. MSS is forever etched in my heart. There, I didn’t only find my self’s worth, I gained valuable memories that I shall treasure for life. I too have gained good friends like Inday, Melai, Helen, Bebey, Ana, Roy, Anabelle, Jonie, Rosafey, Cleofe, Sherie Ann and of course, the Sisters and mommy Margie. Ma’am Margie was a teacher of my brother and sisters and me (all of us!). There were times when the Sisters and the teachers would go out and enjoy our company. How I truly miss it all.