My Awe-Inspiring Journey

I would like to share with you my amazing journey from the moment I vividly remember in 1954 when I took a huge step in my life as a grade one pupil in our local Primary School in Aloguinsan. There was a particular song that was introduced by the West to all Primary Schools in Aloguinsan which was like a top tune, children sung it proudly without comprehension; the danger of “rote learning”. It says: “I hab to hands the let and the right Hol de na pie so kle a bry Clap dem sotly one to tre Clen litol hands are good to se” It was one of my proudest moments when my grade one teacher asked me to lead the song to the class, I felt as if I had won a Golden Oscar. I carried that triumph for months. Body: My father was a military man, fighting against the Japanese during World War II. My mother had enlisted in the Women’s Auxiliary and was assigned to the same garrison as Papa. Papa brought some badly injured soldiers, one of whom was my mother’s brother, to the garrison, and that was how my parents met. Their love blossomed and in 1944, right after the war, they married. My sister Alma was born first, and then two years later I came out into the world. I was born in Aloguinsan, a municipality in the province of Cebu, Philippines. Aloguinsan in the fifties and sixties was very isolated. There was no electricity, only street lamps fuelled by kerosene. No radio or any sort of communication, or entertainment like the cinema or television. There were no telephones in Aloguinsan until the 2 eighties. Our only communication with the outside world was by telegraph (Morse code). My high school years were an unforgettable experience. I was very happy and comfortable with my new surroundings and my newfound friends. After a number of years break from school, I chose to continue at University and in 1978 I proudly received my Diploma Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in Home Economics. After getting married to an Australian as a response to my name on the pen-pal list I’d signed at University; I migrated to Australia. My life changed dramatically from shy to a daring but happy, blessed and satisfied woman. After few months in Tasmania surprisingly I ended up teaching Home Economics at the local High School with some fear and uncertainty. Thankfully, once I began teaching, those feelings were quickly forgotten. Instead my attention was focused on teaching and the student’s learning progress. After exhausting my teaching contract John and I seriously began thinking of starting a family. The result well, we were blessed with a healthy boy. I felt as if the whole world had been given to me as a prize. Because Savage River mine was wholly owned by the company, we had to leave, bought a house and a business in Burnie a city in the NW of Tasmania. Life at the shop with a little one was not easy but no matter what was in store for John and me, our son was always a priority. Unfortunately after thirteen years in the business the shop was closed; that lead me to upgrade my qualification as a “Bachelor of Education” at university of Tasmania. Although it was extremely difficult situation but with the help of my lecturers at the University and my mentor during my “Practicum” at the public high school; in 2004 I was greatly honoured to accept for the second time my Diploma of Education, this time from the University of Tasmania, Australia. I did so well with my “Practicum” that I ended up teaching years 7 to 10 with several 3 groups for three months while my mentor was on her long service leave. The following year in 2005 I was lucky enough to teach at one of the Elite Catholic Schools in the NW of Tasmania. A year after my graduation, I went back to my beloved hometown, Aloguinsan, sadly to attend Papa’s funeral. I stayed for another three weeks after the funeral. Each time I’ve been back to visit my family in Aloguinsan, there was some progress. We used to get our water from wells and springs, now the people are spoiled and there is no shortage of water. Kerosene lamp posts are a thing of the past. Now electricity is supplied to the town by one of the oldest and biggest company in the province. Nearly every household now has a telephone, television, and even transport. It is a bit sad that only few things are left that reminded me of what Aloguinsan used to be, but I am happy and proud of the progress. What a transformation and huge difference technology has brought to Aloguinsan. Four years after my graduation, my son proudly received his Degree Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law at the same University. He now has his Degree which was the main thing. Johnnie can carry that with him wherever he goes. After his graduation he was blessed to land a job at the Supreme Court as an Associate to a Judge based in Hobart, plus a secondary job as an Assistant and Advisor to a State Senator. Johnnie is doing really well at his early stage in his career; he works very hard. John and I are the proudest parents in the world. Who would not be? All our hardships and perseverance has, at the end, paid off. Jonas’ feathers are now complete. He has got his wings and he can leave the nest and fly into the big wide world. He is ready to fend for himself. As I look back over my awe-inspiring journey, I am so thankful for all the blessings I have received over the years. Now I look forward with hope to another phase of my journey in life.