Five years ago, when I first stepped into the warm embrace of the Stairway Foundation, I knew I was stepping into more than a workplace. I was met with a sea of curious eyes and hesitant smiles from young boys. The boys, each with their unique story of hardship and resilience, carried a strength that was both humbling and inspiring. I remember thinking, “How can I, with all my imperfections, make a difference in their lives?”
As a resident teacher, I’ve found myself navigating a maze of emotions. Each day is an opportunity to teach and learn. There are moments of frustration when a child struggles to trust or when words fail to bridge the gaps created by years of pain. But some moments feel like tiny miracles – a breakthrough during a tough lesson, the joy of seeing a child conquer a fear he’s carried for years, or a realization of a child that he now has a dream.
I still remember one morning in my class when I asked each of our older boys to stand in front and present a short speech on any topic they wanted. Kenneth confidently stood up when I called his name to present next. His topic was about dreams. As he delivered his speech, I couldn’t help but take note of the words he said.
“Ano ang pangarap ninyo? Ako kasi pangarap ko maging dancer at basketball player. Pero alam ba ninyo na nagsimula lang ako magkaroon ng pangarap noong 15 years old ako? Kasi noong bata ako, hindi ko alam ang pangarap pangarap na iyan. Wala akong pakialam kasi hindi ko alam na mahalaga ang pag-aaral. Tsaka kahit naman mayroon, hindi ko naiisip magkakatotoo pa iyan. Bakit? Kasi lagi akong sinasabihan na wala ng pag-asa iyan, walang kwenta, at iba pang hindi magandang salita. Pero noong nandito na ako sa Stairway, dito ako naniwala at nagkaroon ng pangarap. Pinakita nila na pwede pala ako magkaroon ng pangarap at may kakayahan pala akong maabot kung anuman ito. Nagtiwala sila sa akin…”
(What are your dreams? As for me, my dream is to become a dancer and a basketball player. But did you know I only started having dreams when I was 15? I didn’t understand what having a dream meant when I was younger. I didn’t care because I didn’t know how education was important. And even if I had dreams, I didn’t think they would ever come true. Why? Because I was always told that there was no hope for me, that I was worthless, and other hurtful words. But when I came to Stairway, I started to believe and have dreams. They showed me that I could have dreams and achieve them, whatever they may be. They trusted me…)
His words moved me deeply. Hearing him share how he went from having no dreams to believing in himself because of the support he found at Stairway was a powerful reminder of how trust and encouragement can change a child’s life.
Another memory stands out vividly in my heart. Vincent, the only non-reader among his group when he came into the program at age 10, hesitantly approached me one afternoon with his paper clutched. He wanted help writing and reading the letters of his name. Together, we traced, wrote, and read every letter numerous times. The sparkle in his eyes when he wrote and read his name on his own reminded me why I do what I do. He said to me, “Sa wakas, ate, hindi na nila ako maloloko sa pangalan ko.” (Finally, they can no longer fool me by my name.) It wasn’t just about academics but about nurturing confidence and recognizing small victories.
Of course, there have been challenges. Some days are marked by the stubborn silence of a child who refuses to participate or the outbursts caused by frustration and trauma. There have been days when I questioned whether I was doing enough, strong enough to carry the weight of the boys’ stories, or if my presence truly mattered. Yet, in these moments of struggle, I’ve witnessed the power of patience and persistence, as change takes time.
The boys have taught me the meaning of resilience. Despite their hardships, they greet each new day with hope and determination. They’ve shown me that healing is a journey, not a destination, and that love and understanding can build bridges over the deepest chasms.
In my five years teaching at Stairway, I have seen boys grow into young men with dreams, confidence, and hope. But more than that, I have grown alongside them. I have learned to embrace imperfection, celebrate progress, and understand that sometimes, the greatest impact we can make is simply showing up, day after day, as a steady presence in a child’s life.
I still believe that while I may not be able to change the world, I can help change it—one child at a time. For me, that is enough. As I celebrate this five-year teaching milestone, I carry the lessons, laughter, tears, and stories of every child who has touched my heart. Here’s to five years and many more lessons and lives yet to be shared.