The Story of My Life

Summary

Serafin Arviola, an associate professor of history and pedagogy at the Philippine Normal University, shares his journey from humble beginnings as a garbage boy to achieving academic excellence and becoming a peace educator. His initial dream was to become rich in America, but life took a dramatic turn when he witnessed the 9/11 tragedy, leading him to focus on peace education and conflict resolution in Mindanao. Today, he finds fulfillment as a teacher and peacemaker, fostering empathy and understanding among his diverse students.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Serafin Aviola is an associate professor of history and pedagogy at the Philippine Normal University.
• 💭 From a young age, Serafin had dreams of helping his family and becoming rich by studying and going to America.
• 🏢 He initially worked in humble jobs like a garbage boy and selling various items in the market.
• 🤝 Serafin's life took a turn when his grandmother introduced him to Bukaspalan, a social center for the poor.
• 🎓 He earned a Bachelor of Secondary Education in Social Science with honors, which fueled his ambition to study further.
• 🌟 He was invited by the United Nations to speak on youth empowerment and peace education in the Philippines.
• 💔 A significant life event was witnessing the World Trade Center bombing on his first day in the U.S., which affected his perspective.
• 📝 Serafin wrote and defended his thesis on peace education in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao, which led to international recognition.
• 👥 He faced and overcame animosity among his students of different beliefs, promoting empathy and understanding.
• 👨‍🏫 Serafin finds fulfillment in his life as a teacher and peacemaker in the Philippines, influencing others to be agents of change.
• 🔄 His childhood dream was different, but he now sees himself as a 'teacher of teachers,' embracing the opportunity to make a difference.

Q & A

Who is Serafin Arviola?

Serafin Arviola is an associate professor of history and pedagogy at the Philippine Normal University.

What was Serafin Arviola's childhood dream?

Serafin Arviola's childhood dream was to help his family and himself by going to America to become rich, like his neighbor.

What jobs did Serafin Arviola do before studying?

Serafin Arviola worked as a garbage boy and sold chopao meat buns and lemons in the market before he had the opportunity to study.

How did Serafin Arviola's life change after losing his business?

After losing his business, Serafin Arviola's grandmother brought him to Bukaspalan, a social center that helps poor people.

What degree did Serafin Arviola earn and how did he perform?

Serafin Arviola earned a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Science with flying colors, graduating laude.

Why was Serafin Arviola invited by the United Nations?

Serafin Arviola was invited by the United Nations to speak on youth empowerment and peace education in the Philippines.

What significant event did Serafin Arviola witness on his first day in the U.S.?

On his first day in the U.S., Serafin Arviola witnessed the plane striking the World Trade Center.

What was the subject of Serafin Arviola's thesis?

Serafin Arviola's thesis was on peace education in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

How did Serafin Arviola's experience in the U.S. influence his work in the Philippines?

Serafin Arviola's experience in the U.S., particularly witnessing the World Trade Center bombing, motivated him to return to the Philippines to understand the Muslim community and work on conflict resolution strategies.

What role does Serafin Arviola play in the university?

Serafin Arviola plays the role of a teacher and peacemaker at the university, fostering empathy and encouraging others to be agents of change.

What is Serafin Arviola's current perspective on his life and work?

Serafin Arviola is very happy and fulfilled with his life and work in the Philippines as a teacher of teachers, contributing to peace and understanding.