From Neophyte to Mentor: My Transformative Teaching Journey

My Journey as a Teacher: A Decade of Transformation and Impact

By Norberto V. Casabal

My teaching journey began with a baptism of fire just two months after graduating in April 2002. Like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, I entered the classroom fueled by idealism and a deep desire to inspire. That was over a decade ago—and my passion for teaching has only grown stronger since.

A Reflective Look Back: The Beginning

I entered college in 1998, unsure of what the future would hold. Like the traveler in Robert Frost’s poem The Road Not Taken, I stood at a crossroads. The unfamiliar academic environment, filled with new faces and challenges, sparked a mix of fear and excitement.

Early on, I learned that teaching is a noble profession—not for wealth, but for service. At first, I dreamed of studying law, but a short story by Gilda Cordero-Fernando, The Visitation of the Gods, stirred something deep within me. It awakened my calling to educate and inspire.

Embracing the Struggles of a First-Time Teacher

My first semester was both exhilarating and exhausting. I juggled 12 class preparations and a 45-unit teaching load—all for Php 45.00 an hour. I felt like a theater artist, switching roles, voices, and personas, sometimes stumbling, always learning.

This chaotic period taught me my first great lesson:

“The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.”

I realized that teaching is not only about transferring knowledge but also mastering the art of learning while teaching. With time, I became the hedgehog—intentional, focused, and purposeful. As William Ernest Henley wrote in Invictus:

“I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”

Growth Rooted in Purpose

A mentor once advised me:

“Grow where you are planted.”

And so I did. Over the past ten years, I’ve grown in patience, wisdom, and resilience—all thanks to teaching. My classroom evolved into a bastion of democracy, a place where students voiced opinions, explored literature, and shared life stories. Every day, I tried to be a nameless hero—igniting dreams, building confidence, and guiding young minds.

Barbara Kroll’s words ring true:

“Inside the classroom, your personal life becomes professional.”

Teaching Moments That Touched My Soul

One quiet evening, I stumbled upon a box of handwritten letters from former students. As I read their heartfelt notes, tears welled up.

“You inspired me,” wrote one.
“You helped me become responsible and accountable,” said another.
A colleague once shared: “May you never stop touching people’s lives.”

One letter from 2008 especially moved me. A student, struggling with the pain of a broken family, wrote:

“Life is survival… Acceptance is the key. Forgiveness is the only way to be freed from anger…”

These moments—raw, emotional, unforgettable—remind me of the deep impact teachers can have. Though names may fade and faces may blur, our shared classroom journey leaves an indelible mark.

Looking Ahead: The Legacy of a Teacher

Perhaps one day, I’ll reconnect with former students over coffee at Starbucks, hearing how they’ve crafted their own paths. As Paulo Coelho once said:

“Life is the train, not the station.”

This moment of reflection was prompted when the Editor-in-Chief of our student publication asked me for pictures chronicling our institution’s journey—aptly themed:

“A Decade of Excellence: Transforming Passion, Creating Legacy.”

And yes, I’ve been here since day one.

Final Thoughts: My Metamorphosis as an Educator

Looking back, I ask myself: Should I call this journey a metamorphosis?
Absolutely.

From uncertainty to unwavering purpose, from chaos to clarity—this is not just the story of my career. This is the story of becoming.