MEET LAWRENCE MAE

My name is Lawrence Mae D. Esperanzate, born on December 11, 2003, and I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Elementary Education program at Camarines Norte State College. I am the eldest among three daughters of Maricel and Edwin Esperanzate. I began my elementary studies at Brinas Elementary School in our community and later became a scholar at the Sisters of Mary of Banneux, Inc., a Catholic boarding school run by nuns in Cavite, far from my province, where I graduated with honors and received the Model Student Award.

My journey of becoming an aspiring teacher has been filled with twists and turns that tested my heart and determination. I can still vividly recall my experience in kindergarten during our graduation ceremony, where each pupil went on stage to introduce themselves and share their dreams. A week before the ceremony, our teacher asked us to line up and tell her what we wanted to be, which she would write down for us to memorize. When it was my turn, I proudly said that I wanted to be like her, a teacher. But instead, she suggested I choose “nurse” because many of my classmates already wanted to be teachers. I felt deeply hurt and discouraged to the point that I no longer wanted to say my dream on stage. Yet, the desire to teach never truly disappeared. I admired my aunt who was a teacher, and during playtime with my friends I would often imitate her, pretending to teach and act like a real teacher. Still, I also witnessed the heavy workload and sacrifices she endured, even on weekends, for a salary that was not very rewarding. As I grew older, I became more aware of the struggles teachers face, and for a time I told myself I would never choose that path.

However, in senior high school, one of my teachers told me she believed I would be a very good teacher. Her words touched me deeply and made me reflect on my true calling. I began to imagine myself in the classroom, sharing knowledge, inspiring lives, and realizing how much joy I found in guiding others. That moment rekindled my passion and reminded me that teaching is not only about imparting lessons but also about touching hearts and shaping futures.

That is why, during college admission, I confidently chose education programs. We were given three choices ranked from best to least, among which I selected Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English, and Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies.  I chose Elementary Education wholeheartedly, without considering other universities, and  in God’s grace,  I was admitted to Camarines Norte State College. As the years pass, I continue to reflect and feel more certain that this is my true calling. As I learn more about this profession, I have come to believe that teachers should not only impart knowledge but also provide love and belonging. Some children go to school not only to learn but also to find the affection they may lack at home, and it is our responsibility to make them feel valued, cared for, and inspired. To teach is to love, and to love is to shape young minds into better individuals. This is the kind of teacher I aspire to be, someone who nurtures both the mind and the heart, guiding pupils not only toward learning but also toward becoming compassionate and confident individuals.