That man is multi-dimentional being is a given. Our interests, concerns, hobbies are so varied that sometimes, we become jack of all trades without mastering any, so to speak. In our thirst for something beyond the material, we try to search what makes us happy, until , if we are lucky, we do something that we love do, even if we do it many times over.
For nine years now, I have been teaching in at least two universities. When I took up my law studies at Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, I taught in another university, handling philosophy and political subjects, the former being my major in the undergraduate and the latter, being relevant with my study of law. That was for a period from 1988 to 1990.
I took my oath as a lawyer in May 9, 1991. Thereafter, I focused in the practice of law. Aside from tennis games, my time then was consumed by lawyering, basically going to the court, writing legal briefs, arguing in court, and dealing with clients. I had to learn the ropes of lawyering.
Sometime in the year 2000, I decided to teach in my alma mater. When I was asked by the vice-president why I would want to teach despite by busy schedule, I readily answered , ” I just love to teach.” Since 2000 up to now, I am still teaching law subjects. Before the opening of this semester, I wanted to stop teaching considering my heavy workload. But in the end, the itch to teach prevailed on me.
Perhaps, teaching runs in my veins. My parents are once teachers. My elder sister is still teaching now. Our young sister used to teach also. It’s a family affair.
But as I examine now, and reflect on this “itch to teach”, I realize that teaching is a profession I may have opted to do full time, and not lawyering, if not for financial consideration. You see, teaching here in the Philippines is not well-compensated. The salary I receive a month from my part-time teaching job is not even enough for the gas of my car. And yet, here I am, still teaching.
I realize that aside from tennis and lawyering, it is in teaching that I find true satisfaction. At the end of the lectures, the altruistic feeling that I have helped nourish young minds is enough compensation. When you teach, you can pour out not only your grey matter but also your heart. The privilege of teaching is that you can share you knowledge on the subject about virtually anything. Teaching is therapeutic. You nourish the mind of your students, but you also nourish your soul.
Besides, knowledge earned, if not shared, is knowledge unlearned. I am a voracious reader. I virtually read anything my eyes could lay on. Then and now, I have not ceased to read. It was only during my law studies that I devoured law books. But after passing the bar exams, I went back reading on varied topics. What’s the use of my learning if I don’t share it with my students. Of course, I write, just as I do blogging now. But even before man could write, he would talk.
And once one’s the knowledge has been shared, the teacher actually sharpens his understanding of the topic he is teaching. I have taught Law I which is Obligation and Contract for almost seven years now. To my surprise, every lecture session, I discover new angle of an an otherwise overrun topic, and new technique in imparting the same idea to students.
Of course, teaching has its non-pecuniary rewards. Often, when I go to banks and offices I see my former students. As a sign of their gratitude, they take priority attention of my transaction in their offices. I don’t fail to acknowledge this act of gratitude. It is an affirmation, that my teachings have somehow touched their lives, and that is something no one can take away. The bond between a teacher and student last for a lifetime.
Sans the financial consideration, would I have forego lawyering for teaching? Compared to lawyering, teaching is eons behind in terms of material rewards. But without this consideration, would I have opted to be a teacher and not a lawyer? Admittedly, my teaching experiences have honed my lawyering skills. As a teacher, you must have a mental endurance and focus for the entire lecture sessions which would normally total six hours daily. That is the mental focus a lawyer, especially a bar examinee should have. If I am doing okay in my lawyering, its thanks to my teaching.
Yet, definitely, even without material considerations, I would not still forego lawyering for teaching. I do find gratification in teaching just I do in playing tennis. But lawyering too offers me a joy only I could measure. (or is it imeasurable?)
Despite though of my tight schedule in lawyering, I don’t know if I would finally decide to stop teaching next school year. The “itch to teach” is just too incessant to kick off the system. Or may be, with my lawyering, I’ll just continue my other pursuits such as teaching and tennis. Afterall, as a multi-dimentional being, I too don’t exactly know what gratifies me the most.
