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.
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