Gem's Insights

When I started my work as a Special Ed Teacher here in America, it just felt natural. I mean, I was elated to be here, right? So I was just like a sponge, wanting to learn, wanting to do more, wanting to be more. One of the duties that we have to do is to pull out the student for testing. We need this so we would know the present level of performance of the student in the core subjects: Reading; Math; Writing. I enjoy doing this. I enjoy pulling out students and testing them. I think every time, I’d do this, I’d mutter to myself that I can just do this and this alone! Lol! I also like writing IEPs. IEPs are Individualized Education Programs for the students with needs.   This is done yearly to our caseload (students under our care). Fast forward to today. 4 years after. I’m testing kids. I’m checking IEPs for compliance. These are the only two major things that I do now.   Whatever our minds can conceive and believe, it will achieve!   ...

Our minds our powerful. Whatever we think, we create!   I remember it was summer time during my elementary days when my cousins had already learned how to ride a bicycle.  We didn't have any bicycle to use then. Every time I would see them enjoy riding one, there was this gushing feeling from within that I could do it too! My mind just seemed to shout, "You could learn to ride a bicycle too!", "Yes, you'll enjoy it too!!!", "It's easy!!!" Grabbing the opportunity, one lunch time, in the heat of the midday's sun, when everybody was busy eating. I borrowed the bike they were using and taught myself to ride a bike! On my own! After, like, the long 15 minutes of attempting, falling, trying again and again and again, I was finally able to balance myself and enjoy the ride! It was a freeing moment for me! In my mind, I knew I could do it, and I did! There were so many times after that experience that I'd tap in the ...

How old is old? So I called my 89-year-old friend again. She's at home, she said, working on her crossword puzzles. "I thought you joined the Senior Center?" I asked. She said, "Oh, it's not for me. They were too old for me!" Too old?! Lol! She is 89 years old!!! How old is old?!! Photo credit I guess, age is really just in the mind. Like everything else, it all begins in our mind! I was just browsing at some of our family pictures. You see, my husband and I just celebrated our 12 years of being married, and that means... well... 12 years!!! Oh my! Our eldest is already 10 years old, and she has grown big and tall! She was just a baby 10 years ago!!! and that would mean I've grown 10 years older since the day she was born. But, I feel like I haven't aged! Lol! It's all in the mind. Well, in my mind, I continue to be 27 years old! hehehe It all begins in our mind. If my 89 years old friend says Senior Center is ...