PLANTING SEEDS: THE GROWTH OF A FUTURE EDUCATOR

Good day, everyone! I am Nica Izabella P. Toronon a BEED-1C student in Eastern Visayas State University.

We’ve all heard the story of the "born teacher"—the person who, even as a child, was lining up stuffed animals to give them lessons on the alphabet. They speak of teaching as a sacred calling, a passion that burns brighter than any other flame.

My story is a little different.

When people ask why I chose education, I usually give the standard, polished answer. But if I’m being honest, choosing this path wasn't about a grand passion I’d nurtured since childhood. It was about practicality. I looked at the world, looked at my options, and chose a route that offered stability and a clear direction. 

There’s a specific kind of guilt that comes with choosing a career for "logical" reasons. You wonder if you’re doing a disservice to the profession. I had other dreams—paths that were perhaps more creative, more "me," but ultimately more uncertain. But then, I’ve realized that while passion didn't start my engine, affection keeps it running. I love kids—their chaos, their curiosity, and their unfiltered honesty. You can choose a job for the paycheck, but you can’t fake the joy of a high-five in the hallway or the pride of seeing a "lightbulb moment."

I chose BEED because it was a bridge to a stable future. It offered a clear trajectory, a dependable schedule, and the security that comes with a vital public service role. For a long time, I felt like an imposter because of this. I worried that if I didn't start with "passion," I would never be good at it.

Many people enter the teaching profession because it offers stability, a clear career path, or a way to support their families. To my fellow "practical" educators: It is okay. You are not a fraud for choosing a career that provides for your life. In fact, your logical approach might make you more strong or resilient. You aren't dependent on a potent emotional spark to get through the day; you rely on your dedication, your discipline, and your professional integrity.

What I’ve discovered, however, is that seeds don't care why you planted them. Whether you plant a seed out of a romantic love for gardening or because you simply need to eat, the result is the same: with enough water, sun, and care, something grows.

I am a future educator. I am planting seeds. Some days I do it because I’m inspired; most days I do it because it’s my job. But every day, those seeds are growing—and so am I.

"You don't have to love the wind to learn how to sail; you just have to know how to catch it." — Jenna Evans Welch