Life as We Knew It

      My short exchange of hi and hello with my sister informed me that our former principal, Sir Boy, passed away yesterday. I told my sister that maybe he had already accomplished his purpose so the time for him to go home to the bosom of Allah had came. After the conversation, I sat and recalled my memory of Sir Boy. For sure he was never been a perfect school administrator. He was just a mediocre professional from a minority Muslim group in Mindanao. He was one of those lucky few who found his way under the care of Catholic Missionaries who eventually sent him to school. Later, he worked hard in order to complete his university years to become one of the pioneer teachers of Isulan National High School. He was then married to another Muslim teacher who also grew up with another Catholic Missionaries. In one way or another, the influence of Christian upbringing can be seen in their ways within their household. Islam is dominantly practiced by many of their ways are related to Christian. Sir Boy was my mom's friend so I saw how he tried to beat all odds in order to climb the professional ladder of education in the Philippines.  I also saw how some Muslim royalties disobeyed his authority as a school principal because of the stereotype that he just descended from an orphanage. Despite of everything, he remained calm and tried his best to address every issue. He was always with a fatherly smile.
      Sir Boy was also the person who opened the first door of opportunity when I was struggling with my teaching career. I remembered when one afternoon I met him along the fish market in our town. He stopped to ask me if I am his friend's daughter. I confirmed and he again asked me if I was still interested to become a teacher in his school. I was truly amazed when I said yes! He then told me that he will expect me to his office the following morning. I did report to his office and he led me without questions to "my classroom". I was so delighted but I still asked him if he needed to require me some documents and interview. Before he left, he told me that he already had them and he knew that I am a great teacher. I found confidence and even if the position is temporary, I did my best to become a great teacher. When the school year ended, Sir Boy decided to keep me which created a very big issue within the board. He defended his decision and stood to keep me in my teaching post. Several staff had shown me unwelcoming gestures and I found support from the group of other Muslim teachers. Several gossips against me arose but Sir Boy supported me with an assurance that he trusted my capacity as a teacher. Again, I did everything I can to deserve my principal's trust.
     The time came when  national permanent items for teachers were released. Sir Boy did his best to get one for me. However, politics and money defeated his noble purpose. He tried his best to fight my cause to the superintendent's office but his cause was trampled down. We lost my item but he taught me a deep sense of integrity through his actions.  The hypocrites who were watching had celebrated my failure. It was painful but I took courage from the integrity of my principal and my pains. I decided to leave our place and seek employment at the university in the city. I was given a chance and in the university, I gained enough experiences and trainings that qualified me for a teaching position in US.
      While completing my US application, I again went back to Sir Boy to ask for his recommendation. He expressed his dismay that I was leaving the country to work with foreign students. Still, he willingly gave me his support through the recommendation letter. Before  I stepped out of his office, he reminded me that if in the future I will decide to come back, he will still willing hire me. I smiled and he stood to lead me to the door. That was also the last time I saw Sir Boy's fatherly smile. Occasionally, he sent his regards through my mom which I gladly returned by saying that I am fine.
    Sir Boy is an example of a person whose heart's desire is just to find a decent place for himself and his family in this world. He just wanted to improve his identity and fulfill his dreams of becoming somebody that people will recognize through his worth as human. He succeeded to beat the challenges of ignorance and poverty but the quest for society's  acceptance had been a constant battle for him. Several members of society refused to accept that a once an orphan made it to the race that very few people finished. Sir Boy's life was bombarded with gossips, intrigues and lies inflicted by people who suffer from professional jealousy. However, despite of everything, Sir Boy remained calm and compassionate. He had never keep anger or hatred to anybody. He tried his best to be nice to everyone---both Muslims and Christians. Personally, I will be forever grateful to him for believing in my abilities and for taking the pain of opening the doors of my professional journey.


                           ---------- SALAAM SIR BOY and ENS-AH ALLAH!!!