There's this one woman who played an important role in my life. Oh, this isn't about my beloved Mom, I'm referring to another woman whom I called Ma'am.

At first, I misunderstood her. I'm even hesitant to approach her. However, she's been a part of my everyday, well, almost everyday existence. I thought of her as the kind of woman who is not approachable, intimidating and inconsiderate. Believe me, it's not only me who have that kind of thought... But that was three years ago.

Moving forward, there's this one woman who played an important role in my life. She built exceptional confidence in me. We'll, she's just too confident in the things that I can. She pushed me to do my best. The way she pushed me isn't annoying at all. In fact, I learned so much from her. She is very open, approachable, and kind. There's never a "starving" moment with her. In fact, many of my friends have the same thoughts about her. She's "what you see is what you get" kind of woman. She speaks her mind but she never put your self-esteem at risk. She believes in the talent of everyone surrounding her. She believe that everybody can do something differently. She does not entertain negative stories. She's the kind of woman who could transform a nobody to somebody if she might.

And yes, that woman three years ago that I'm talking about is the same woman that I admired in the present.

Indeed, kindness can truly make a difference.

By the way, that woman is my School Principal and she's celebrating her 44th birthday today.

Looking back, if I am to recall my childhood years, it's full of emotions. I grew up with an abusive father who eventually abandoned us for another woman. Because of that, my Mom became overly protective to us. We have lot's of DO's and DON'Ts. It was a struggle for me to ask permission whenever I received an invitation from a friend for a special occasions. We are not also allowed to get into relationship while still studying. So many DON'Ts that the list could go on. However, I also grew up with a "rebellious heart". I do what I believe is right with ample consideration on its possible "consequences". I could consider my Mom as controlling type and me as stubborn daughter. Yes, I used to failed my Mom's expectations for countless times. I get into relationship, I didn't heed some of her pieces of advice, and so on...

Now that I am a Mom of three and a teacher of many students, I realized one valuable lessons- MOM KNOWS BEST. There are so many lessons that I have imparted to my students that have something to do with those nuggets of wisdom that I learned from my Mom. Have I listened and follow those lessons she emphasized to me, I would have a better life. But there's no time for me to regret all those failures that I've done in my life. I have to move on and be strong like what my Mom did for us when my father abandoned us. I could only pray to God that I will be an effective Mom as well to my children. I could consider myself as quite controlling just like my Mom but I am also learning the effect of being one. 

Relating to my job as a teacher, I've seen so many students who have been struggling in their life as sons and daughters. I've witnessed so many outpouring whenever I asked them what has been bothering them. I am just so glad that somehow I could relate to them, I could feel their struggles and I could share to them all those valuable thoughts that I have learned as I grew up. Then I realized that each one of us have different coping mechanism. Some are good in hiding their real emotions and some are too expressive. But one thing that I love about my profession, I could reach the heart of my students and they are very willing to open up and pour out their emotions without any hesitations. Though I slowly become a shock absorb-er, but I totally enjoyed what I am doing. 

This is not my video, I just came across with this in YouTube. The video have a very strong message for every family. Teenagers nowadays are very prone to exaggerated depression. Their pain tolerance is too low that they will likely to commit suicide if they will not be able to get immediate help.

Parents and other members of the family plays a vital role in dealing with emotions among family members. Being busy shouldn't be an excuse anymore. Otherwise, things such as shown in this video might happen for real.

So, how to overcome depression in the family? Have time for each other.

January is almost over, my colleagues are all busy preparing for the IPCRF portfolio. While me? I can't even gather my thoughts for my class observation tomorrow. I don't know but I totally detest class observation wherein you are required to prepare this and that. So many things to prepare, so many expectations to meet. Well, I chose to be here so I need to comply by all means. 

I just need more motivations! 

In my four years in public high school, I wonder if what will lie ahead of me. Well, I really can't tell, nobody does actually LOL.

I started the year right with important thoughts in my mind like losing weight and saving money...

Hope to be consistent with these plans in my life :)

Hopefully.