I came. (1991)
I returned. (14 years later)
Nostos 2024, the 25th class anniversary of Saint Jude Catholic School (SJCS) Batch '99, provided me my own homecoming to the institution which oriented and trained me as an SVD (Societas Verbi Divini/Society of Divine Word) educator. I genuinely acknowledged SJCS for honing me into the teacher I am today.
This second batch, which I handled SY 1992-1993, had perfectly chosen the most befitting theme for this grand event which took place on November 23, Saturday.
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| With Mark Welson Chua (RIP), the young and brave hero who exposed the UST ROTC anomalies |
Nostos is "an ancient Greek term meaning 'homecoming' or 'return,' particularly in the context of a hero's journey back to their homeland after a long absence. This concept encompasses not just the physical act of returning, but also the emotional and psychological implications of re-establishing one's identity and reclaiming a place in society." (Fiveable Inc., 2024)
Class 1999, proving that they're destined for excellence and success when I handled them 31 years ago, delivered an extravagant but meaningful celebration that filled our hearts with so much love and appreciation.
The serenade for us teachers turned me sentimental. So, now I know how our high school mentors felt when we did the same thing in July 2018.
Beautiful journey.
Golden memories.
Power of friendship.
These words resonated the most yesterday. Just like in the alumni homecoming of my very first batch in SJCS, these existed while treating us as a royalty.
Relive.
Feel.
Create.
Same vibes. Same synergy. Judenites have been consistently proactive in achieving their unified objective. The opportunity of reliving the magical memories, feeling the Olympic spirit and creating new milestones was clearly inclusive. Thus, it also became a historic day networking with my former colleagues and friends who were a part of my life as an elementary teacher.
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Imagine reuniting with all my three heads in the Grade School Department? A big WOW indeed!
We were all jubilant and animatedly sang the SJCS Hymn to reminisce those gold old times in our department.
Of course, meeting and talking with my former students was the main dish of the day.
It was fun to be recognizable and also unrecognizable because of my pixie hair which was completely different from the do that I sported while in SJCS. Perhaps, nobody has even imagined that I'll exchange my long locks with this liberating hairstyle. *laughs*
Topping this reconnection with my second batch though was turning a "private" joke into reality with one of the best products and prides of SJCS.
Barnaby Lo, one of the hosts and performers, is a celebrity in his own right. I take immense glowing pride in his exceptional achievements and in knowing that his moral compass is very much intact. He has manifested this through his personal and professional views as a freelance broadcast journalist and foreign correspondent at Al Jazeera.
Absolutely, taking a trip down memory lane with these lovable people made me value more the odyssey which I had in the very first academic arena where I began my mission as a life changer.
I thank the Lord for making me a teacher.
I thank the Lord for my students.
I thank the Lord for SJCS and SBCA for believing in me.
Image Sources:
Billy Ambat
Carol Sylvia Cruz
Barnaby Lo
Zaida Manrique
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