VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
When the time came for me to take leave of my home to enter the convent, my father was not around. I knew it was hard for both of my parents to let me go. But as the fifth of sixth children, they did allow each of us to choose our life’s path. I heard later that my father went to the farm, and although my mom was quiet, she cried after I left.
This is my second year in the mission of Hawaii, and the first year of my teaching first-graders. I really enjoy my work. Although I spend quite a bit of time preparing for class, doing research on how to best deliver the materials to the students, all is fine. I do believe that God’s grace is always there to help us wherever we go and in whatever we are assigned to do. Thus, I go with the flow and trust that God is helping me every day, because it is his work, not mine.
My first-graders are good. I have 13 face-to-face students and one that joins class via livestream. Although sometimes a student may get frustrated when not getting the self-expected results, I take the time to draw near to that one and explain that it is okay not to always get what one wants. Even when we play games sometimes, some first graders might feel sad that they made a mistake or did not win. I let them know as a class and individually, that it is okay to make a mistake as long as one learns from it. At this age, they need reassurance in learning that it is okay, and encouragement to keep on trying.
The students are also open with me. They are very talkative and love telling stories. When I make a mistake, they also correct me in a nice way. For example, I might be writing something on the board and forget a letter or a word because I am speaking while my hand is doing the writing. I sometimes hear them say, “Sister, you forgot a letter (or a word).” It is a sign that they are paying attention. Then, I correct my mistake. We help each other.
In the morning, I do begin the day with prayer for my students and their needs and that I may do my work well. When some days are livelier, or more challenging than expected, I like to go to the chapel and just sit. In the quiet, I find refreshment. Sometimes I just rest in God, other times I murmur into God’s ear. But, after that prayer time, I feel relieved.
Sister Fatima Joy A. Pasquin is a Dominican Sister of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines. She is from Duenas, Iloilo, and a graduate of St. Jerome Academy in Duenas. She is nine years professed and teaches the first grade at St. Elizabeth School in Aiea.