I AM CHANGED…
Lately, I’ve been noticing how much I’ve changed because of the situations I find myself in. My patience and temper are constantly being tested in ways I never expected.
As an instructor at a university, I used to believe I’d never need to raise my voice, deliver serious life talks, or demand strict decorum in the classroom. I thought I could always be the calm, understanding teacher—one who adjusted based on what worked best for students. But things have shifted. And honestly, I don’t want to see myself burn out just to accommodate convenience over commitment.
So here’s the truth: I will be firm. I will conduct quizzes, recitations—whether announced or not—and exams with structure and purpose. Why? Because I’ve seen how some learners today struggle with procrastination. Many make risky decisions, give up too quickly, and forget to pause and ask themselves: “Do I want to succeed or not? Pass or fail? Drop out or see this through?”
To every student reading this: Never think that your instructors are cold or uncaring just because we set boundaries. Never feel that we are “too strict” for expecting more from you. And as instructors, we should never carry guilt, doubt, or emotional baggage for doing the right thing—for holding you accountable in your learning journey.
At the end of the day, our mental health matters too. Our perspectives and efforts may go unrecognized by some, but that doesn’t mean they are unimportant.
To my fellow educators: your hard work, your care, and your concern do not go unnoticed. You are shaping the minds of the future. You are the unsung heroes of this generation.
