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Tribute to Teacher Ola

A teacher is a parent, a friend, a confidante, and a stable constant in a student’s life. I first met Teacher Ola as a student of Maris Stella School. She was a cool, hip, and young female teacher who had a contagious laughter that caught even the students’ attention. Teacher Ola, as even us grown up former students of hers still call her, taught by example. Her passion is evident in the way she teaches and approaches her students.

I recall vividly teacher Ola’s fairness to all students whilst recognizing our differences. She is attentive to the needs of her students and more importantly, is responsive knowing that in order to be successful and get through to the students, a one-size-fits-all approach cannot be the way. Discipline is a value of hers but she is cognizant of the different personalities and capabilities and takes time to understand students so she can better and more effectively teach and nurture the academic development of the students.

I would be remiss though not to mention that Teacher Ola is an aware teacher. She is able to tell whether there was something wrong with any of her students. She would go out of her way to ensure that her students were okay, safe, and dare I say loved and cared for. This is the very essence of mission schools and Teacher Ola was a natural born teacher and nurturer.

As an adult now and having developed a slightly different relationship with Teacher Ola, I know now that her success in teaching is partly because of her passion to help others. She imparts freely and with love the knowledge and skills she has unto others without hesitation.

She is able to step in to help those around her who are in need and has a gift to easily determine what is needed and takes the initiative to provide it or resolve the situation. Teacher Ola is consistent and her kind nature is coupled with fair discipline and those that come in contact with her, especially her students, get a unique sense of security that even though Teacher Ola scolds a student, one is assured that it is coming from a good place and its intention is always for the betterment of the student.

Having been challenged with life’s difficulties, including battling cancer, Teacher Ola’s outlook on life and on teaching has only been improved. Now more than ever, Teacher Ola teaches successfully the importance of time, of faith not only in God but in the goodness of the world and of others, and of showing appreciation for what one is bestowed. Her enthusiasm, even after being faced with some of the hardest times, is empowering.

The integrity that Teacher Ola has is portrayed clearly in her ability to recognize her own shortcomings that she constantly works to improve. It is evident in her actions, that this calling to teach is bigger than she is and unsurprisingly, she humbly does not claim credit for her success as a teacher and in fact understates her contribution to the growth and development of so many grateful students, parents, and colleagues.

As a product of Teacher Ola, it is my distinct honor and pleasure to recommend Ms. Loralee Bernardino Rechelulk for the National Teacher of the Year Award. There is no doubt in my mind that she deserves this award. Her selflessness and dedication to growing a loving and compassionate future of Palau is evident in her accomplishments and the accomplishments of many students who have been fortunate to sit in her classroom. 


Thank you, Teacher Ola. 

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