Having taught for more than three decades, I often ask myself what keeps me going and motivated to do a good job. While I am sure some teach to make a living, this isn't my motivation. As a part-time professor in both undergraduate and graduate classes, I have had the pleasure of teaching in a number of different schools and on various subjects.
If you have the right education, degrees, communication skills, and time, consider teaching. Even part-time, the rewards are immense. Guiding young minds, witnessing their growth, and receiving their gratitude is incredibly fulfilling.
It's tremendously satisfying to know teachers shape the minds that can make the world a better place. Helping students in their careers, personal lives, and development as good people is a profound responsibility. The risk lies in a professor failing to inspire and potentially hindering students. Seeing your former students doing the right thing is truly rewarding!
My primary goal is to provide a proper education—not just facts and theories, but also critical thinking skills and a strong conscience. Information and technology are constantly evolving. True learning lies in independent thought and problem-solving, not rote memorization. Witnessing former students thrive in their chosen paths because of your influence makes all the effort worthwhile.
While teachers receive a salary, the true reward comes when former students express gratitude for the impact you've had on their lives. This is like scoring a hole-in-one; it's rare to maintain those connections and hear about the long-term impact. I've been fortunate to have former students reach out and express their appreciation. I may not have a hole-in-one on the golf course, but I've had many in the classroom!
(The views and comments of the author are his own and not of the newspaper or FINEX. Dr. George S. Chua was 2016 FINEX President, 2010 to 2020 FPI President, an active entrepreneur, regular member of the National Press Club, Professorial Lecturer 2 at UP Diliman and BGC, Vice Chairman of the Market Governance Board of the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. and loves playing golf. Comments may be sent to [email protected] or [email protected])