by: Rafaella Suplico

In the grand narrative of our lives, teachers play a crucial role in shaping not only our minds but also our hearts as they connect the dots between school and real-world learning, formating our hearts for it to become whole and alive. Within the Ateneo community, educators, maintenance personnel, and administrators stand at the intersection of knowledge and wisdom, illuminating our paths and guiding us to excel academically while embracing the fullness of who we are.

Despite the many roles that come with being a formator, one thing is certain: even after we leave the threshold of our beloved school, our mentors—those who become a found family for many—will forever remain the believers of our dreams and the trailblazers of light. They are the individuals who not only sharpen our intellects but also touch our hearts, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of our lives.

The Educator

Answering the call of becoming a teacher isn’t for everyone. With the many lesson plans to teach, papers to check, and cups of coffee to drink, the persistence it takes to grab this call is one reserved for very special individuals. Sculpting the leaders of tomorrow to the best of one’s ability is a job that requires earnest passion that our educators never fail to uphold.

“My greatest reward as a teacher is to be able to spark the interest in learning,” Ayn Capili, a Grade 11 English teacher stated. “When I see some sort of improvement from my students, not just one that is translated in grades, but also in their discipline, interest, or behavior—as long as they strive to become better, I’m all here for that.” She highlights that witnessing her students’ growth and igniting their passion for reading—whether through visiting the library or otherwise—is a small, yet meaningful achievement that brings her happiness.

If there was an award for the most selfless professions, teachers would certainly be among the top contenders. Our educators bring forth years of expertise and wisdom to lay out the school curriculum in a way that’s specially molded for us, and our needs. The countless labors of love that they cultivate to make the classroom a haven of learning is one that comes from their hearts straight into our own.

The Confidant

Beyond academic instruction, teachers occupy an indispensable role that centers around trust. 

When the world beyond our homes becomes blurry and uncertain, some students often turn to their formators for communication and comfort. Their encouraging words, constructive criticism, and warm smiles serve as the puzzle pieces that transform the label of teacher into that of a confidant. These individuals look beyond our blue polos and ID laces, delving deeper into our unique stories, talents and talents becoming pillars in our journey toward fulfillment.

For many students, the presence of a formator creates an invaluable safe space where they can lower their defenses and reveal their vulnerabilities—sharing their hopes and dreams, as well as their struggles and burdens along the rocky road of life.

To quote Grade 11 HumSS student, Trinny Uyquiengco of 11- Goupil, “My formators always seek to offer advice that I use outside the classroom. In my stay in the ASHS, my teachers have consistently reminded me to not be disheartened and to keep on persevering despite the long nights, deadlines, and doubts that come our way.” It is the sense of trust and security that students feel towards their formators that fosters this lasting openness.

The Formator

In the home away from home, our teachers take on the heroic role of becoming our second parents. All the values that Ateneo preaches and stands by are embodied within the relentless dedication our teachers put towards our formation. Through reflections and even casual conversations, they impart lifelong values and takeaways from their own life experiences, equipping us with essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate the next chapter of our lives.

The influence onto our lives of these committed people who dedicate their career into the formation of others is a selfless act on its own. “Entering the ASHS as a transferee was intimidating at first, but they’ve taught us to look at what we do in a different light. Their understanding of each students’ contexts and stories truly helps us; even if it’s on a broader scale, their kind words trickle out to each individual student.” Uyquiengco further highlights that the values and guidance that she learns from them are special and close to her heart. While two years in the Senior High may seem brief, the words and actions of our formators weave themselves into our hearts, leaving lasting impressions that guide us as we strive to make our own mark on society

Believer of Dreamers

Juggling the role of being a mentor alongside striking a balance between work and life can sometimes be an incredibly thin tightrope for our formators. “There’s always going to be an imbalance in the career of a teacher—I’m a mother outside of school, and I don’t have a helper at home. So when work is set aside, what I like to do when I get home is, believe it or not, cleaning and lifting weights. My toddler and I enjoy doing chores together when I’m not working.” Capili emphasizes that finding things that kindle joy outside of checking papers is necessary to maintain a healthy work-life balance. As students, let us strive to not only celebrate our formators on one date on the calendar, but show our appreciation and gratitude even with simple gestures. The warmth of the home they’ve fostered in the ASHS for us is a gesture that calls for us to return the effort wholeheartedly.

With the many titles attached to a teacher, it is important to remember that they are more than the person they are within the four walls of the classroom. Like students, they have dreams and victories, struggles and defeats, good days and bad days—and like students, they too have their own educators, confidants, and formators who have molded them alike to become the remarkable people they are today. “Being a teacher was a life-long dream for me. I, myself, am a product of great mentors, with my mom being my greatest teacher. No one can compete with that, and even ’till now, she teaches me the greatest lessons I need to know to navigate life,” Capili says about her greatest inspiration to pursue the vocation of teaching. 

In countless ways, our formators are the vibrant pieces that complete our journey toward wholeness. This year’s Duffy-Delaney Day theme, “Buo,” resonates deeply within the Ateneo community as we reflect on the invaluable lessons our formators have imparted and the multifaceted roles they play in shaping our hearts. They say that home is where the heart is, and within the halls of the ASHS, it’s crystal clear that home is the nurturing community our formators have cultivated. It is a home filled with individuals who have guided us with unwavering support and shown us love beyond words, touching our hearts in more ways than one.