Consumed by the Dream

(This had happened two years ago. But it's worth sharing so I chose to publish it here).

Before I asked my students to write a poem about their dreams, I headed towards Nikki and confiscated a piece of paper with a list of Iron Man suits, armor, steel and many more which I didn't understand completely. Now, I came to realize that the small paper had something to do with his dream. I was just shocked that even a lazy student like him, as I presumed before, could have actually a dream...a significant one. I was not surprised with the poem but with the person...famous for being lazy but filled with dreams.

Teachers, we ought not to judge our lethargic students. We are here on earth for a mission (a mission not only for bright and behaved students but also for those who loose grip from studying). Patients need doctors. Students need teachers. We are not required to understand them at all times but still, we must.

And so, I would like to share the poem of this student of mine. This poem does not consist of grandiose words but of grandiose heart. More than words, search for the heart of this work.

Here it goes:

NIKKI's DREAM

Every body has a dream

And this what makes them firm

But this is my dream by the way

I want to be an inventor someday.

Even I can't make Iron Man suits,

Nor many pairs of flying boots

I only want to make life easy

With my own inventory.

Even I can't make giant Jaegers a possibility

For our own protection and security

I want to help mankind find resources with high quality

To make this world work with unity.

But I still want to invent the best thing of all

But it also seems to be impossible

I want to make a Time Machine

And witness the Earth when it was still clean and green.

So, this is my dream

And these things also make me firm

But I will feel the most pleasant feeling I can feel for Impossibility

When it is discovered by Serendipity.

-Nikki Paulo Balberos

Dear Nikki,

I lost the small paper embroidered with a list of suits, armor and steel bars. I thought it was just a crap before. But soon after I had read your dream a month ago, I came to believe that it was really valuable to you. For that, sorry! :) I realized it was not because you were lazy and inattentive to the discussion that you made a list, but because you were just being consumed with your dream. Yet, it would not be that good if your mind wanders about your dream and you forget to listen to your teachers. :)

Dear Grade 7 Students (2013-2014),

I have all the copies of each poem which you submitted to me. :) Let's see who among you a decade or two from now, are able to achieve all the desires and longings you wrote down on pieces of paper. Be released to your full potential. :)

This is my dream by the way:

MY DREAM

Every teacher has a dream,

And this what fills the brim

Of the glass of patience and love

Each teacher has to give.

This is my dream by the way,

I want to create humans not monsters someday.

I do not long for brainy but heartless children.

I desire for God-fearing and responsible citizens.

Even if I can't make a President of a nation,

Nor a CEO of a well-known company,

I am willing to offer my life

To teach minds, touch hearts and transform lives.

Even if I can't make champions of the world

Nor great bosses with authority in one word

I want to help mankind find the Lord

And help them to obey His Word.

But I still want to dream the best thing of all

I know it is not that impossible

With my God, I am sure this is clear

I dream that their (students') dreams be real.

-Teacher Charmaine