Christine R. Roxas, truly worth emulating

I thought it was her who supposed I was a new student when she saw me on their “first-day-high” in 1998, third year level. It was my first day of work as a teacher at MSS. I had to blame it on my small built, barber-cut hair, faded jeans, blue shirt, sporty shoes, my small pack and on the thing I carried on my hand – a lunch box. She belonged to the pioneering class. The class was kinda surprised when I introduced myself to them. I thought they couldn’t believe. But of course, I had had to show them I was a worthy teacher.

Christine, we call her Ninia, as a third year student was simple but very observant. To my mind, she could be thinking about many things the way I handled the class. She was not so vocally participative in class recitations. But, she was excellent in the quizzes and written exams. She presented awesome projects. Her devotion to her studies, family and God was very evident. She was a consistent top 1 student. Maybe she didn’t know how I appreciated what she hung on the wall of the III – Masunurin room. It was about the “greatest” things in life.

When she was in fourth year, Christine became a bit extrovert. It was also at this time that I became “friendly” with my students. (You see, a new graduate would have all the ‘principles” in education in his mind. But as years pass, he becomes aware of the real world, and becomes more flexible.) Christine would go out with us (some of her classmates). There was even a time when we had to be past twelve at Pangi in a fiesta. I heard her father was kinda strict regarding her going out, that’s why I would think twice before I would invite her. Finally, she graduated valedictorian, of which she deserved most. All her high school days were blessed truly and I have been always happy to have been a part of her education.

She took up MIS at Ateneo de Zamboanga, maybe not considering any possibility that she’s going to be a teacher one day. During some sem-breaks, we would see each other with her classmates. There was a time that we got home almost already 6 pm from the beach and I had to bring her to her home. His father was there and was so angry. He said something like “delikado ngayon…” in a heavy tone and it scared me a bit. Who would have thought Kuya Manny (the name of Ninia’s father) and I would become close friends now, thanks to Interlude choir membership! Christine at those times would hear my “useless sentiments”, perhaps during the times I drink with our friends. But, I thought she was giving a listening pair of ears. Now she’s a teacher at a university. I heard from Ate Lourdes (her mom) that she’s serious in her career. I think she’s going to be successful in her current job. At the moment, we would see at the church and talk about anything for short moments. Her parents are my companions in a choir.

Christine is a reminder of the batch she belonged to. Worth-emulating and I am truly proud to have become a teacher and a friend of her.

I would have had this posted last May 24, her birthday. But because I was busy with my cousins around, I could not find time. Her batch and I would usually celebrate her birthday at her home.