|| M I D S E A S O N ||

[June 8th, 2018]

I’m done.

I’m currently standing in the middle of my teaching season, profoundly silenced as I look back on the events that happened. I’m in awe of colleagues who have poured in to me to instill values that go beyond pedagogy and teaching methodologies. The truth is, content may change and pedagogy altered, but passion and love for students—young minds of the next generation—cannot be bought nor taught (echoing the words of Raymond Wang, former head of English department). Thus, I can safely say that I have yet to improve, even after my first year in UPHC.

This being said, the reason why I chose the term “midseason” instead of “finished” or “completed” is because I know I have a long way to go from where I’ve begun. If I may use a term from theology (or is it eschatology—I’m not too sure), it is the “Already, but not yet.” In several aspects I am done, but at the same time in other aspects I have just begun. Thus, I am currently resisting the urge to become complacent, for I have seen a good number of sharp, promising minds grow dull not because of incompetency, but merely because they became content with what they’ve done so far and thus refuse to improve. Come to think of it, if comparison is the thief of joy, then complacency must be the thief of excellence. For it is because of complacency that we miss out on opportunities to grow intellectually, emotionally, socially, financially, and the list goes on. What started out vivaciously can end lifelessly through this deceitful disease called complacency.

(Beware, however, of mixing “complacency” with “contentment,” for those are two different concepts.)

In short, I am grateful and beholden first and foremost to God, for it is by His grace alone I stand and will stand. I am still astounded by the fact that my team, colleagues, and friends are able to finish this school year strong, and I hope and anticipate that we will come back refreshed and renewed with 

vitality. 

Let us not be complacent with where we are now and acknowledge that our midseason—that there is and will be rooms to improve in some aspects of our lives. And, for those who recently embarked on a new chapter (particularly those who graduated), congratulations! Remember as your new season turns into a midseason, combat complacency and you will be able to excel.

Sola gratia. Sola fide. Soli deo Gloria.