Layout by Drew Halle Sibayan

Today is not a typical day. I saunter across the supposedly insipid hall, oddly brimming with students’ mirth. Morning greetings are usually a pitiful alliance between despair and dread on the inevitable failure of scores in a series of tests. However, a glance at the extravagant decorations in one classroom tells otherwise. I discreetly enter the classroom, only to be swamp by the buzz of deliberate surprise. Numerous students flock over the whiteboard to write their heartfelt letters of gratitude surrounding the center, adorned by humongous calligraphy of “Happy Teachers’ Day” and hilarious throwback photos of familiar faces. Some are hazardously standing on a stack of chairs to hang the strips of rumpled crepe paper on the ceiling, while others are relentlessly inflating balloons that can cause a heart attack when inadvertently popped. Oh, right. This is the day of putting all our grudges aside to earnestly sing a frenzied rendition of an emotional song that will make even our most formidable teachers burst into tears. In which, the entire afternoon is occupied by a program dedicated to recognizing their hard work. It is a day for celebration and appreciation—something that we, students, should never forget regardless of today’s virtual setting.

More often than not, we overlook the big picture due to childish tendencies. Our beloved educators are reduced to a singularly unpleasant experience we had with them, which should not be the case. Their constant presence amid turbulent times is a testament to their genuine zeal for their students’ learning. For instance, the plight brought by the pandemic did not hinder their pursuit of giving an excellent quality of education despite the disparity of the situation. They are compelled to adjust and alter their teaching methods to accommodate the new modality. Further, brutal timeframes remain. Sleepless nights during alleged breaks are accompanied by caffeine and sheer willpower to finish lesson plans and more backlogs. For our mentors, the hustle never halts.

Why Celebrate Teachers' Day?

Seriously, why should we not? Teachers are indisputably underappreciated. Celebrating their day does not insinuate that we glorify their resilience and overworked circumstances. We simply convey how much we cherish their existence and role as admirable figures of authority in our lives. They deserve to know that we appreciate the home—our support system—that they built to aid us, not only in the realms of academia but also in the journey toward our dreams. The reason behind our ability to thrive among difficulties is their perpetual guidance. Our current self is a reflection of the teachings that they permanently engrave on our hearts. Remember that teachers have been with us since the moment we learned how to write legibly, read accurately, and throughout many firsts. Their brilliance certainly affects our lives in more ways than one.

How Do We Celebrate?

There is no clear-cut answer/rule that restricts us on how we celebrate teachers’ day. Although, the primary objective is conspicuous—to let them feel the authenticity and immense amount of appreciation we harbor. Granted, virtually speaking, schemes would not be as elaborate and opulent as tangible gifts or roses. Nevertheless, material objects neither determine nor measure the value of our regards. If anything, this is the perfect time to use words to deliver our message. Grateful words in a simple note or perhaps, an online presentation will never be outdated. A student’s genuineness will far outweigh feigned gratitude.

In the words of Barack Obama, “If you were successful somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life.” Today is reserved for the great teachers in our life. An entire day for our second parents—one of our most significant supporters deserving of unadulterated love. So before the day ends, greet your teacher with a warm “Happy Teachers’ Day!”