I Survive: A Filipino Teacher's Journey to Teaching In the United States

By Baldwin G. Gutierrez

I Survive (A Filipino teacher's journey to teaching in the United States) contains remarkable experiences and notable memoirs that will help Filipino teachers and other educators aspire to teach in the United States. This story reminds those born in the United States, just how fortunate they are. This remarkable story of strength and conviction is for anyone wishing to read an inspirational story that brings laughter, tears, and a grateful heart to all who read it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 13, 2014
• ISBN: 9781312275584

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I Survive: A Filipino Teacher's Journey to Teaching In the United States

I Survive:

A Filipino Teacher’s Journey

To Teaching in the United States

By Baldwin G. Gutierrez

Copyright © 2013, Baldwin G. Gutierrez

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic—without written permission of both publisher and author. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

ISBN: 978-1-312-27558-4

While this book is a work of non-fiction, Names, Characters, places and incidents have been changed.  Any resemblance to actual personal events, locals, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Illustrations by Jhasfer Harris Enriquez.

All rights reserved.  Published in the United States by Charism Publishing; a Laurent/Arizona Division. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the publisher is unlawful piracy and theft of the author’s intellectual property.  If you would like to use material from the book, (other than for review purposes), prior written permission must be obtained by contacting the publisher.

Charism Publication

Laurent Division

Fort Mohave, AZ

[e-mail]

Dedication

To the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda:

The strength of Typhoon Yolanda is nothing compared to the will and faith of the Filipino People!

GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

After Typhoon Yolanda, I’m sure children were playing in the flood,

Men and women were singing joyful songs as they picked up fallen debris, roofing panes, foreign trash, etc.

I’m certain that everyone came out of their neighborhoods to see the first glimpse of the sun.

Is there any trace of sadness in our hearts? 

Maybe, because that is part of being human

So how, living here in the United States,

Am I sure that there is still happiness in my home country?

Because we are Filipinos!

Our genes contain incredible strength of spirit that enables

Us to stand up whenever we fall

Rise up against heavy obstacles

And fight the good fight of faith!

MABUHAY ANG PINOY!

Acknowledgements

A significant percentage of my life is written in this book, and I uplift everything back to the Heavenly Father who is the source of all things seen and unseen, as a humble offering of love. Lord, as You can see, I am living my life. Thank You for constantly guiding me through it.

I would like to acknowledge my first teachers, my inay and daddy for your genes, the invaluable inspiration, and unending prayers; as well as my siblings Dougybal , Enock, Marshy, Grideth for the enormous emotional support.

Lacking sufficient knowledge in writing a book, I prayed for somebody to guide me in writing my story. The Lord sent Deborah Laurent, award winning and bestselling author of The Glass Table, The Christmas Robe, and coming in July of 2014, Desires of the Heart, to help and guide me as Editor/Agent/Publisher until the final pages of I SURVIVE. Her competence in writing, her colorful experiences with other people, and her and her family’s comforting embraces made the book much more special and significant. She also introduced me to the Writer’s Group based in Kingman who has contributed more knowledge to my writing endeavor.

Being a living witness since high school to the artistic prowess that is with my brother from another mother and compadre, Jheff Enriquez, I requested him to use his gift in designing my book despite his hectic work and family schedule. Salamat, gwapo!

My day 1 as an official teacher started in St. Bridget College, Batangas City. I could not thank the RGS Sisters, my former students, colleagues and staff enough for all the lessons of teaching excellence and the noble virtue of being a man-for-others that you have instilled in my heart. You always say, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE. I am hoping that through this book, I have lived up to your expectations.

The continuation of my teaching career happened at Mohave Valley Elementary School District No. 16. I would like to thank all my past and present administrators, faculty and staff who made their share in the materialization of my journey; from mentoring, supervising to extending hands of friendship.

Of course, to my beloved Mohave Valley Junior High Past and Present students and their Parents, for ALL the time spent in molding ourselves to be the best person that we can be, the constant observance of In Science, there is a time for everything; and the great memories of love and life, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I will also never forget the positive response you extend to the Filipinos who have been devastated by Typhoon Haiyan. More so, I also would like to express my gratitude to my TAG class, my Science Olympiad team, my tea club, and the members of my singing family, the MVJH Glee Club.

To all my friends and relatives who have enveloped me with comfort and affection through all the hurdles I have been through, MARAMING MARAMING SALAMAT!

I SURVIVE

Baldwin G. Gutierrez left the Philippines and traveled to Mohave Valley, Arizona, carrying the dream that someday he would rise up as a better teacher and share a part in the racial obligation of comforting his family.  Courage and faith in God were his mighty armors as he confronts excruciating trials and emotional turmoil in teaching brought about by differences in culture and educational system of Filipinos and Americans.  Holding on to his devotion, he rose up to the challenges victoriously and has realized that despite the heartaches, he inadvertently fell in academic love with his students, making him affectionately contribute more to their lives and well-being.

I SURVIVE contains remarkable learning experiences and notable memoirs that will help Filipino teachers, and other educators who aspire to teach in the United States, have an overview of what it might be like.  It also makes those who were fortunate to have been born in the United States, proud of the opportunities they avail while realizing what great sacrifices one makes to be a great educator.

I Was Born To Teach

Do not worry

Rest and Wait.

If it is supposed to happen, it will.

THE AGONY OF WAITING

My first job as a technical assistant in an environmental organization has skilled me with a great deal of knowledge that until now is integrated into my science lesson plans. I acquired a deep level of understanding about the natural world through firsthand encounters with some of the Philippine faunal wildlife species, apart from those that I read from books and learned inside the university laboratory. I also had the wondrous opportunity of travelling to different places to conduct biological surveys and to interact with people of peculiar culture.

After a year of enjoying the beauty of God’s natural creation, my employer realized that there was no more funding available to maintain my position. Despite my satisfactory performance, they forced me to resign. I was devastated.

The same occurred after college graduation. I found myself browsing over the classified ads page of various Sunday newspapers, and submitting resumes to any job opening that my credentials would fit. I was interviewed by zoo managers, took exams for a transcriptionist job, attended talks by insurance agencies and even applied for a clerical position in an environmental government office.

In between job applications, I dealt with sorrowful incidents. One was when my cellphone was snatched from inside a public vehicle in the capital city of Manila after taking the exam for a transcription firm. I will never forget running after the robber along the highway with my semi-formal attire yelling "Magnanakaw!, (Thief!)".  It was a mixture of different emotions; strong, embarrassed, and awkward. Yes, I did capture the thief through the help of some concerned neighborhood folks, but I failed to get my cellphone back. I assume that it was handed to some other conspirators during the chase.

The police informed me that I needed to complete some complaint papers; I was in disbelief that I needed to spend several more hours inside the precinct.  I was very hungry, my legs were hurting from running, and my mind was still in shock over what had occurred.  In the absence of a cellular device, communicating with my parents who were in the province miles away became a struggle.

I was desperate to find a job not only because I wanted to support my family but to also circumvent the excruciating mental agony of boredom and the pitiful feelings of worthlessness. I graduated from a prestigious university amidst economic upheavals and I could not stand the thought that no employer would want my service.

During the utmost desperate moments, I had almost asked my relatives to buy life insurance plans from me just to satisfy the requirement of an insurance company for hiring employees. It was my parents who stopped me from doing so.

"Maghintay ka lang at darating din ang trabaho na para sa iyo (Just wait and the job that is for your will come), advised my dad. Hindi naman madaling maghanap ng trabaho at madami ka din kasing ka-kompetensya (It is not easy to find a job nowadays because there is lots of competition).

Month after month passed and no fortune came my way. In most anxious of situations, I would exclaim, What’s the use of my college diploma if I could not use it!!! Why is it that nobody wants to hire me?!!!

Apparently, the idea that it was easy to find a job if you have a great educational foundation deceived me. I was told by many that since I came from a great university, the careers would hunt me down instead of me chasing after them and that in the end, I would have the privilege of choosing which employer deserved my services.

During my overwhelmingly idle days, I would tutor high school and college students to keep my brain active. Most of the time, I fell on my knees to pray and beg to God that He would grant me an occupation; any full-time, white-collared profession enough to rekindle my deeply shattered self-esteem.

YOUTH ON PASCHAL EXODUS

Another Sunday comes and another jobless page of my life turns. As a practicing Catholic, I would go to church, attend mass in the hope that my job petition would be answered.  Afterwards I bought newspapers to look for advertised job openings.

One time, when the mass commentator announced that there would be a new religious organization to be formed in the parish, I promised to involve myself in it. The name of the group was Youth on Paschal Exodus (YOPE).

YOPE envisioned a triumphant change to one’s life’s journey from a self-centered old life to a God-centered new life. It glorified the conversion of an individual from sinfulness to holiness or from captivity to liberation. YOPE hoped to bring a weary soul submerged in darkness to seeing the light, which then signified living a life that is filled with joy instead of sadness. It believes that God’s presence and His undying love for mankind is the key to a worthwhile human existence.

I invited my best pal to come with me to the well-attended initial Saturday meeting. Most of the people who were present were teachers from the nearby catholic school as well as my grade school alma mater, St. Bridget College (SBC). Others were church servers, college students and professionals.

The priest in charge started with a getting-to-know-each-other activity.  We will do an activity known as; People, House, Storm. I want you to form a group consisting of three individuals. One will act as People, the other one will be the House and the last will be the Storm. the priest instructed the crowd. His manner of introducing the activity was very welcoming.

My friend and I merrily mingled with the people around us. The parish hall was filled with excitement.

The priest explained further, When I say People, House, Storm; People, House, Storm, House, the only one who will move is the House of the group. They will walk around and find new sets of people and storms. Ready?

Yes, Father! everyone exclaimed. Some demonstrated a ready-to-attack attitude.

People, House, Storm, People, House, Storm, Storm!

The storm person in our group hurriedly left and a new storm joined our group.

The priest yelled, Now that you have your new group, introduce yourself to each one and describe your dream house.

I started the conversation in my group, Hello! My name is Baldwin. May I know your names, please?

Baldwin, I am Susan.

And I am Lito.

Happy to meet you both. Is it ok if I start sharing? I asked.

Go ahead, Susan and Lito responded in unison.

In my dream house, it is very important that I have a gigantic swimming pool where I can swim and dive all day. It should be surrounded by a garden full of trees, and a grotto should be landscaped nearby. I do not need too large of a house because it would be too difficult to maintain. A three bedroom house with a guest room is fine. And, oh, I only want three colors painted inside and outside of it; blue, white, and black.

Wow! I want to see that house in the future. Will you invite me? expressed Susan smilingly.

Of course! Sure! Anytime! I responded enthusiastically.

For me, I want my dream house to be by the beach. I want to see the waves as I wake up in the morning and enjoy the sunset, too. I want a mansion because I would like to have a very big family of maybe a dozen kids, Susan shared happily.

That is cool! And a house by the beach is awesome!!! expressed Lito adding, My dream house should be high. I will put an elevator if necessary, he said with laughter, And I want to have a family room and a big kitchen because I really love to cook. I will also put a mini gym inside and perhaps an office, too.

Great plans, you guys! I hope that our dream houses will come true, I said to each one to conclude our conversation.

The priest called our attention and said, "People, House, Storm, People, House, Storm, People!

I, being the house of my first group, joyously wander around the room to find new spots with different people.

The priest said, "Now that you have found your new future friends, introduce yourself to