Why? And Why? Behind the Why?

November 4, 2007

Ms. Jeniffer S. Francisco






As I stood amidst the crowd of different people from all walks of lives,with different faces and stories,phenomenally brought together by a common aspirations. I silently listened to their real drama, then I asked myself-" Am I not satisfied of what I have now? Why do I have to continuously studying? I reflected and finally find the answers to my questions- YES!,I am not yet satisfied of what I have now and what I give to my family. Just like other parents, I want to give the best for my family...... and education is the answer. But pursuing my post graduate studies is not easy, especially to a mother like me, who is playing several roles in my own untelevised drama. A daughter yo a paralyzed mother, A sister, A wife, A mother to two children and a career woman. several times I've encountered hardships and trials that my human weakness almost dragged me down.But through the help of my understanding mentor who keeps on encouraging me to go on till the end, and also my determination to give my family a better and brighter future serves as the motivating factor to keep me going. There are times that I asked myself the same question but I am not convince of my answer, as if I am just convincing myself that all my sacrifices is really for my family or maybe it is only for my personal satisfaction. sometimes I feel guilty when my kids asked me.........." Mommy bakit ka pa po nag- aaral eh teacher ka na? "And I answered back......." Para ma permanent na si mommy at ng hindi na tayo mahirapan finacially........"Which is not really true because for a fact that even if I finished my post graduate studies there is no assurance that I will be given a permanent appointment. Nowadays, its so hard to be given a permanent appointment.But one thing is for sure, I am happy of what I am doing.I keep on burning the midnight oil not because I want to get high or decent grades for I know, grades do not really measure intelligence rather they gauge. Grades is not the driving force to keep me going. It is best to look at the larger picture, as I recall the old fable of the stone cutters: A visitor to a city found three men cutting stone and asked what they were doing. The first said," I'm obviously cutting stone, " The second replied; " I'm making a living for my family."The third declared with enthusiasm. " I'm building a cathedral. Its clear who among the three reaped joy and success from an otherwise tedious job. This assumes that what I am doing is indeed relevant to my life calling. I find dignity and meaning of my existence.