Behind the White Board

Wonder woman, Super Girl, Krystala and Darna are some of the well-known girl superheroes that possess super powers and wear fascinating costumes that marked in every audience mind. Although these superheroes can only be seen on television and on big screen, many people idolized them especially the kids. However, we can also consider real people as superheroes. They possess the power to save the world from being ignorant by giving them information and knowledge that can help each individual achieve a bright and successful future – A TEACHER.

Graduated from Laguna State Polytechnic University (Los Baños Campus) last 2015, the 22 year old Claudine Tamban who grew up in Los Baños, Laguna didn’t really fell in love with teaching in the first place. It was her older sister who pushed her to pursue teaching since both her older sister and brother were in the teaching field. “kasi nung college ako hindi talaga ito yung choice ko” tells the bubbly teacher. It was HRM or culinary arts that was her first choice way back in college but her “pakilamera” sister, as she playfully described her ate, pushed her to take education as her program/course during college. When asked if she already developed her passion in teaching, Ms. Tamban narrates that “nung una syempre hindi ganung kadaling maging passion ang pagtuturo, kasi nga hindi mo choice ang pagtuturo pero nung na experience ko na siya, nagustuhan ko na siya.”

Late comers and too loud noises were her frustrations during class. She confessed that her number one enemy when it comes to teaching is distraction. She easily losses her focus while teaching whenever interference is present. Being pressured in this line of job is not new, so when asked about feeling pressured during class she giggly answers “siguro pag sobrang gagaling ng mga estudyante mo, kasi di ba teka lang dapat lahat ng sasabihin ko tama.” She also added that being observed by the school admin and college head also made her pressured even if you’re in the teaching world for a long or short period of time. Advices from her sister were a big help for Ms. Tamban. It motivates her and let her feel that it’s part of her job.

Away from the books and instructor’s guide, a typical day for her was staying at home while playing with her two nephews and one niece. She also likes to travel when time permits. Cebu and Vigan where some of her dream destinations. Having a job that she eventually embraced, she also wants to go abroad and seek for a better future. She said that teaching is there and will forever be there. She also wants to teach abroad and try something out of the nature she grew up with. “Siguro office, yung hindi na tayuan [na trabaho], gusto ko naman yung naka upo” she laughingly said. Having a sibling that is in a bad health condition, she said that going abroad is being practical since she can earn more money there than here in our country. It will be a big help for her sibling’s treatment and to her family as well. Shifting to her hobbies, she genuinely answers that she’s not fond of reading books. She only read books when she needs to study a certain topic for her lessons and she jokingly answers that she also loves reading random posts and stories on facebook -- most of the time. She likes to dance as well, particularly modern dance. She also playfully answers that her sports is jack stone.

Wrapping it up is her motto in life “Happiness is your choice.” Indeed happiness is evident to how Ms. Claudine Tamban shows her interest and passion in teaching and sharing her knowledge to her students and her determination to explore and expand her capabilities. Her willingness to learn, her dedication to share her experiences and knowledge, and having a good heart are her superpowers underneath her invisible cape and that’s what makes her a superhero of the modern world.

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