SCIENCE & WISDOM: BEHIND THE BLOG (The Author)

Behind The Blog (The Author)

* * * Who’s behind this blog?

It was a fair summer dawn on the 3^rd day of May, 1998 when my painstaking mother gives birth to me and my beloved twin brother. But, before we were successfully welcomed into the world of being a mortal my mother needs to labored so much in order to save our lives. Unfortunately, after a few hours . . .she died upon sacrificing her life for us. It was still fresh in mind how I feel so unlucky not seeing a mother to call “mama” of my own ☹, that was a scrunch in my heart! But, I’m open to new things of such a difficult challenges to show how much not only me but also you are capable of.

Today, you’ve known me as Myra Pillos Estrera (The author behind this blog) a kind and caring girl in person. Based on the story told by my grandmother “Lola Basyon”, the name was given by my mother when she’s still alive (while me and my twin were just in her womb). My beloved twin brother, Michael and my extremely caring older sister, Manilyn Estrera. More importantly, my painstaking mother was Marilyn Estrera (deceased) and my hardworking father named Bienvenido Estrera and we are happily living in the “Maanyag” Municipality of Banga, South Cotabato.

As I grew up, I made a conviction early in life for my mother passed away after giving birth to me and my twin brother. It maybe unfortunate for us with my only father who played both as mother and father figure. He reared us in his own way through peddling early morning and as an ambulant of trisikad until late evening. Because of this, I have to value how my father instill lessons in my head that continuously developed me into what I am now. I am enjoying the gIft of life for over 20 years. I turned 20 by God’s will last May 03, 2018, being simple, kind-hearted and God fearing individual.

I was Three years old when we transferred our residency at the Municipality of Banga from my birthplace, Davao del Sur. I really started going to school at the age of Five at the small community for Day Care Learning Center at our barangay, Brgy. Yangco Banga South Cotabato. At age of Seven, I started my elementary education at Banga Central elementary School. But after graduation in elementary my father once thought that maybe I couldn’t continue my secondary education because of financial problems concurrently my older sister is turning college. But I thought poverty is not a hindrance. So, I find ways to walk my talk. Summer before high school, I worked hard. I became as a baby sitter at our neighbor’s two children and as an all around housekeeper, dish and clothes washer and else. That time, I know some feel pity, disgrace on me, yet I ain’t as I feel gladness, happiness in my heart because my dream of going high school will come true which also made my father almost crying and very thankful.

Moving on, high school is so just for everyone. There I can see freedon when I see my name listed in the cream section. But, telling everybody frankly I don’t really wanted to be at this section (remember? I’m Ms. Demure type of person ever) because I wanted to follow my sister’s path. But then, during high school years, I really tried my best and worked hard. For that, I humbly say that the fruit of my labor pays a lot when the time of judging decided to push me up, maintaining the first number since my first year up to fourth year. To God be the Glory! I graduated with flying colors school year 2014-2015 at my beloved alma matter, Banga National high School, banga South Cotabato.

Devoid of material things, It also played an important factor since I only focused, though how much I wanted to experience wandering, I cannot do otherwise because I feel what it feels to be exposed to extreme poverty. Summer after high school was the most difficult part of my life yet I accept the challenge. I was brought far from my family and destined to play as a job of being a tutor of three children namely, Travis (4 y.o.), Chistian (9 y.o.) and Raven (10 y.o.) at Purok 16, Blk. 1, Fatima, Uhaw, General Santos City at Subaldo’s Residence. That was one of my most unforgettable experience though. But the word “tutor/private teacher” is pleasing to hear, yet I witnessed it doesn’t sounds like that in a real scenario. I have to adjust basically, from the Three child’s attitude, Second, for longing your hometown and third is for adjusting with what and with those who surround you. First day of dealing with Travis, the youngest, I almost ceasing when he tried acting a gesture of pointing the sharpened pencil into my eyes which was so devasting because he really hate studying. Thanks God! I turn my head away too quickly. Later, I’ve heard him crying and to my surprise his older brother had told their father of what was happening that’s why I’ve heard him crying enduring the pain from his father’s belt as a disciplinary action. But in the long run, I lost all those worries and have confidence in myself. Slowly, but surely. I instill a positive values to Travis. Thinking …what style to use in teaching him? I do not know! I think it’s the hardest question to answer ever. I’m only young, the only thing I know is to “pray” and ask guidance to the Lord. But luckily, it works. I can’t force him to study. I can’t reverse his clumsy personality. What I did is that “sabay ko po silang tinuruan ng isang panalangin at unti-unti pong lumambot ang ugali ni Travis”. I lead them to pray, and in our payer I taught them not only how to pray but also how to be kind, how to be patience, how to understand and how to try loving the things they hate -- studying. Another opportunity has come, another challenge has welcomed me. When I went home, Fourth year high school I need to drop- by at another student client named Kifer (5 y.o.), a very clumsy who wants to study yet would end into a play literally “hampang” in Ilonggo term. I can’t predict his actions. I can see his eagerness to learn yet he don’t. What did you mean? I meant I can’t forget the time where I he was so serious, doing fine, concentrating at his work but in the middle of his tasked, he throw up above the air the papers, pencils, and crayons and anything he was holding because according to him “Hoo, airplane, teacher teacher look oh oooh airpline nag fly sila!” Oh My Goodness! Then, he asked all about airplanes and flying. See? He’s too clumsy and playful! I do something, which makes him attentive yet I can’t do typing all of those matters. But just this 2018, a month ago, I was told by my friend that Kifer excelled in their class. Thanks God! That made me feel realize that I touched every story I don’t know. That leads me to a courageous Principle as a future Teacher.

So much for that, we have to know where I am now. I was currently studying at Mindanao State University, General Santos City with a degree Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Biological Sciences. At first glance, I was amazed by the great extent of the area. It was vast area for students, professors, instructors, faculty and staffs of the university which I think had made them potent in academic excellence and richness in culture. College is a life where I really know myself better. I don’t know what the world has instore for me. So as I step out to meet the world of teaching secondary, I urged myself to set a direction with a positive attitude and a strong spirit it is because it is during the time of success that people will know our name but it is during the time of trouble that people will know our character.

As for me, I was conveyed to learn and to know a lot of friends in Mindanao State University, developed a real camaraderie after working together for so long. Now, that we’re on our junior years in college I build deep affections to them. Almost all of them were my closest friends in EdBio, special mention to ‘Errah, Joey, Jilliane, Julean, Gretchen and Kuya Erinio, my thesis partner’. Together, we all make the sacrifices worthwhile, for making every school day a pleasant day, for caring and for the love and concern we’re sharing.

I am living today looking forward with an eye toward how I can be an inspiration to others. For now, I don’t really know what the world has instore for me, I’ll be going to somewhere else significant after college. I believe that life is a wonderful journey, as I step out to meet the world, the future? I will remember my teachers and professors specially to Sir Ricky Bustos, who had noticed persons in the class, being approachable and always willing to give pieces of advices that likewise helped me become more open to new things which has commands me to mark those modest words. Thank you Sir, for giving us each a price of something to take! Lastly, I wanted to become an inspiration in the field of education and Biological Sciences.