Finding f(x): Why I teach for the Philippines | Delfin Villafuerte | TEDxXavierSchool

Summary

The speaker, a public school teacher, shares a heartfelt narrative about their journey and passion for teaching. Inspired by influential figures and transformative experiences, they found their calling in education. The story highlights the challenges and rewards of teaching in the public school system, emphasizing the importance of hope, aspiration, and the profound impact educators can have on students' lives. The narrative concludes with a call to action, encouraging others to contribute positively to the Philippines, whether through teaching or other means.

Takeaways

• 🏫 The speaker is a public school teacher who loves teaching and is passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people.
• 🤔 The common question asked to the speaker is 'why teach?', to which the speaker responds with a simple yet profound answer: a love for the country.
• 🔑 The speaker's journey of realization began during a leadership seminar, where influential speakers inspired a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the Philippines.
• 🚶‍♂️ An immersion experience in Antipolo exposed the speaker to the challenges faced by students who must travel long distances to attend under-resourced schools.
• 🏆 The speaker's commitment to teaching was solidified through experiences with Teach for the Philippines, an organization that aims to improve educational outcomes for children.
• 🎓 The speaker emphasizes the importance of finding a vocation where skill, world need, and personal love intersect, leading to a fulfilling career.
• 🌟 The speaker believes that every child should be encouraged to pursue their dreams, regardless of how big or small they may seem, and that a teacher's role is to make these dreams more attainable.
• 👦 The story of a student named Casey illustrates the transformative power of education and the impact a dedicated teacher can have on a student's life.
• 💡 The speaker reflects on the idea that the 'X' in 'f of X' represents the element that makes one's life function, and for the speaker, that 'X' is teaching.
• 🌏 The speaker calls for others to 'teach for the Philippines' in spirit, encouraging everyone to contribute positively to the country in their own way.
• 🙌 The message concludes with an emphasis on hope, the importance of trying, and the belief that every effort made for the country is worthwhile.

Q & A

What is the common question people ask the speaker when they find out he is a public school teacher?

The common question people ask the speaker is 'Why do you teach?'

What was the speaker's initial expectation of the Ateneo Student Leaders Assembly?

The speaker initially expected the Ateneo Student Leaders Assembly to be a typical seminar with activities, questions, and gaining insights.

What did the speaker learn about the country during the immersion site activity in Antipolo?

The speaker learned about the beauty of the country and the dedication of young people to education during the immersion site activity in Antipolo.

Why did the speaker choose the education site instead of the business site for the immersion activity?

The speaker chose the education site to try something different and explore an area outside of his usual interests.

What was the speaker's dilemma regarding the Ateneo DEP @n LTS geo training program?

The speaker's dilemma was whether to cut his first day of class to complete the five-day training program, something he had never done before.

What realizations did the speaker have from the two activities that involved teaching and working with young people?

The speaker realized that he loved the country and working with young people, and that he loved teaching.

What was the speaker's initial concern about joining Teach for the Philippines?

The speaker was concerned about not being an education major and whether he made the right choice, as well as the uncertainty of the program's success.

How did the speaker's perspective change regarding his role as a teacher after hearing his student's career aspirations?

The speaker realized that his role as a teacher was not to tell children to dream bigger, but to make their dreams more real and achievable.

What was the turning point for the speaker's student, Casey, in terms of his academic progress?

The turning point for Casey was when the speaker took him and other students to Ateneo for an immersion experience, which instilled in him the belief that he could improve.

What is the speaker's message about finding one's 'f of X' in life?

The speaker's message is that finding one's 'f of X' involves discovering what makes one function effectively and brings fulfillment, which for the speaker was teaching.

What is the speaker's call to action for the audience at the end of the script?

The speaker's call to action is for everyone to 'teach for the Philippines' in their own way, by trying, enjoying, aspiring, and hoping for the country.