If it were just me, I would use all necessary excuses not to attend a retreat. Last Thursday, the school had an institutional retreat at Angel's Hills in Tagaytay. Amazing place and equally amazing food! The one thing that irked me a bit was the lecture style retreat that Fr. Migs gave. It just made me zoom back on the theology classes I had in Ateneo. Tsk! Oh but there were some new observations that I realized about the characters in the Bible. So, I guess that's reason enough to listen.
Made more friends during the retreat and the outing at Batangas. All probationary faculty and staff had to perform a dance. LOL! Yep, for the freaking love of Pussycat Dolls, we did the Jai Ho! Was so bored in the afternoon, got the courage to sing at the karaoke station. geez. Things you do out of boredom.
Im back in QC for the weekend. Was french-kissed by the two pups. AWWwww... :D I hope to be productive though. Yes, work again! My new motto for the school year is to beat deadlines! :)
Happy weekend, guys! :)
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
All Charged Up for the School Year!
I finally saw my art classroom. Was so excited to decorate the entire place though my new bedroom at alabang needs some sprucing up also. This sure is a school year of firsts and a new chapter in my (ahem!) struggle for independence. LOL! :) I'm loving everything about making new friends, meeting artists, acting so professional, lesson planning, module making... oh, the list just goes on.
I used to think that I'd never be given an opportunity to do something that I love to do. Looking for a job you will really want involves a lot of patience. Yes, the waiting time will weigh down on you and as the weeks pass, you will feel less and less confident. But, continue following up on that job interview, think positive about your future and don't fret over useless worrying. I always believe that things will just fall into place sometime.
If anyone of you who reads this needs help on resume writing and job applicaton letters, just reach me through my email. I would be glad to help. :)
Enjoy the cool weekend weather, guys! :)
I used to think that I'd never be given an opportunity to do something that I love to do. Looking for a job you will really want involves a lot of patience. Yes, the waiting time will weigh down on you and as the weeks pass, you will feel less and less confident. But, continue following up on that job interview, think positive about your future and don't fret over useless worrying. I always believe that things will just fall into place sometime.
If anyone of you who reads this needs help on resume writing and job applicaton letters, just reach me through my email. I would be glad to help. :)
Enjoy the cool weekend weather, guys! :)
teacher! miss! ma'am!
I am so blessed to be part of one of Manila's prestigious high schools. The environment at DLSZ has been very accomodating seeing that they really give a warm welcome to probationary teachers. The screening process was very rigid not to mention the numerous requirements needed after one gets hired. For potential teachers who plan to apply, here is the hiring process:
1. Initial Interview with Human Resource
- Questions about you and your previous work, your interests
2. Interview with the Coordinator/Principal
- Questions about you and your previous work, your plans and strengths
3. Teaching Demonstration
- 5 copies of a 30 minute lesson plan
4. Exam (from 8am-4pm)
- IQ test, Teacher Aptitude Test, Psych Tests
5. Background Check
- 2-3 References
6. Panel Interview
- Interview with all the coordinators
- I had fun with the interview because of the intimidating atmosphere. Haha! I was so challenged. So, the questions revolve from you-family-school-students-teaching-classroom management-attitudes. The usual teacher interview questions only this time about 11 people will be listening to your answers.
7. Endorsement of Requirements
- Requirements are quite a bunch: application letter, resume, official transcript of records, authenticated diploma, 2 letters of recommendation (parish priest and previous employer), residence certificate, TIN 2316, SSS E1, SSS salary loan, NBI clearance, NSO certificate, Baptismal certificate, Medical check-up receipt (from an affiliated Medical Clinic), 2x2 picture
8. Acceptance Letter and Contract Signing
The tip is to be confident and do your best in all the interviews, demos and exams.
If the job is really yours for the taking, then get ready for an exciting school year ahead! :)
1. Initial Interview with Human Resource
- Questions about you and your previous work, your interests
2. Interview with the Coordinator/Principal
- Questions about you and your previous work, your plans and strengths
3. Teaching Demonstration
- 5 copies of a 30 minute lesson plan
4. Exam (from 8am-4pm)
- IQ test, Teacher Aptitude Test, Psych Tests
5. Background Check
- 2-3 References
6. Panel Interview
- Interview with all the coordinators
- I had fun with the interview because of the intimidating atmosphere. Haha! I was so challenged. So, the questions revolve from you-family-school-students-teaching-classroom management-attitudes. The usual teacher interview questions only this time about 11 people will be listening to your answers.
7. Endorsement of Requirements
- Requirements are quite a bunch: application letter, resume, official transcript of records, authenticated diploma, 2 letters of recommendation (parish priest and previous employer), residence certificate, TIN 2316, SSS E1, SSS salary loan, NBI clearance, NSO certificate, Baptismal certificate, Medical check-up receipt (from an affiliated Medical Clinic), 2x2 picture
8. Acceptance Letter and Contract Signing
The tip is to be confident and do your best in all the interviews, demos and exams.
If the job is really yours for the taking, then get ready for an exciting school year ahead! :)
Friday, May 15, 2009
Productive Week
Monday. May 11
I had to take an hour's commute all the way to the state university to apply for graduate studies.
Since the school where I took my bachelor's degree gave out letter grades, I had to convert all my grades into percentage figure equivalents. So I was sitting in the hallway and doing all the necessary calculations when someone sat adjacent from me. The instant that I saw that he was holding the same paper needed for the computation, I just blurted out a number of questions pertaining to the units and grades. It was kind of funny when I realized that I was talking to him as if he were an old friend considering that I never even glanced to see how he looked like. Anyway, I just stopped writing looked right up him and gathered threw out the few ounces of shyness I had and asked for his name. Ayi, he replied. A what? Ayi. Ah huh? I must have looked like I was hearing impaired or something 'cause he just looked back and said that it was Ariel and but everyone calls him Ayi. That's really cute I thought... Just like his face.
I got to learn really important details about him. 30 years old. Just arrived from Dubai. 2 other siblings. Scholar. Plays taekwando. Self-made guy. No girlfriend. He planned to get a Masteral degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. I tried to coax him into taking Special Education since it was my first choice. He was kind of surprised and asked me why: so we could be together?
Dude, how do you respond to that? My heart melted a little bit there! Haha! I replied, well, that's where the money is, you should take SPED instead. I hope it worked. I never had the courage to ask for his number seeing that Michael, his older brother was with him. Michael gave me quite an impression saying how they have strived for college, working in fast foods and selling knickknacks. Basically pointing out that all the struggles they had, I never encountered even a finger's length of it. Course I was all to my defense though he didn't take it seriously. The conversation sort of sounded very leftist and all, as if it was my fault that I was born in a middle-income family. So I wouldn't really be surprised if Ayi thought I was an elitist coming from a prestigious school and acting so conyo - which was a word Michael used. Hmm...
Damn. I wish I had his number.
Tuesday. May 12
I had to go back to school to follow-up my application. I hoped to meet him again but I knew the chances were slim. :P It was cool.
That night, I changed my fb status to: ____ Gonzales, please follow up. He is this guy who works in the HR department of an excellent high school. I was hoping that they will get to call me for the second interview. It worked in a funny way. He called me at 7pm to tell me, I have an interview scheduled tomorrow. YEY! :)
Wednesday. May 13
10am I was on the way to Alabang for the interview at 1pm. Spent my entire time riding buses and jeeps. Anyway, the interview with the principal turned out well. :) I am proud of myself.
6:30pm I arrive at one of the best Ayala Malls near my place. I looked so harrassed from the travel but my internet buddy wanted to meet up. Oh ain't I blessed! He treated me to dinner and kept saying how I looked awesome even if I was stressed. :)
Thursday. May 14
4:30 had to be up and about
5:30 was at the MRT already, by 8am I arrived in Alabang, ready to take the slew of exams the entire day. I made new friends out of the applicants who also took the exam. Didn't really bother to ask their names since I wasn't that interested at all. It was so draining, the exams, I mean. Battery tests on psychology, personality, consistency. Then, there's critical thinking, teacher aptitude tests too. WHOA! I survived though I really wanted to talk to just about anyone if only to let go of how badly I did on the tests. I hope I pass, I need to get the job.
Friday, May 15
I get my rest.
Happy weekend, everyone! :)
I had to take an hour's commute all the way to the state university to apply for graduate studies.
Since the school where I took my bachelor's degree gave out letter grades, I had to convert all my grades into percentage figure equivalents. So I was sitting in the hallway and doing all the necessary calculations when someone sat adjacent from me. The instant that I saw that he was holding the same paper needed for the computation, I just blurted out a number of questions pertaining to the units and grades. It was kind of funny when I realized that I was talking to him as if he were an old friend considering that I never even glanced to see how he looked like. Anyway, I just stopped writing looked right up him and gathered threw out the few ounces of shyness I had and asked for his name. Ayi, he replied. A what? Ayi. Ah huh? I must have looked like I was hearing impaired or something 'cause he just looked back and said that it was Ariel and but everyone calls him Ayi. That's really cute I thought... Just like his face.
I got to learn really important details about him. 30 years old. Just arrived from Dubai. 2 other siblings. Scholar. Plays taekwando. Self-made guy. No girlfriend. He planned to get a Masteral degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. I tried to coax him into taking Special Education since it was my first choice. He was kind of surprised and asked me why: so we could be together?
Dude, how do you respond to that? My heart melted a little bit there! Haha! I replied, well, that's where the money is, you should take SPED instead. I hope it worked. I never had the courage to ask for his number seeing that Michael, his older brother was with him. Michael gave me quite an impression saying how they have strived for college, working in fast foods and selling knickknacks. Basically pointing out that all the struggles they had, I never encountered even a finger's length of it. Course I was all to my defense though he didn't take it seriously. The conversation sort of sounded very leftist and all, as if it was my fault that I was born in a middle-income family. So I wouldn't really be surprised if Ayi thought I was an elitist coming from a prestigious school and acting so conyo - which was a word Michael used. Hmm...
Damn. I wish I had his number.
Tuesday. May 12
I had to go back to school to follow-up my application. I hoped to meet him again but I knew the chances were slim. :P It was cool.
That night, I changed my fb status to: ____ Gonzales, please follow up. He is this guy who works in the HR department of an excellent high school. I was hoping that they will get to call me for the second interview. It worked in a funny way. He called me at 7pm to tell me, I have an interview scheduled tomorrow. YEY! :)
Wednesday. May 13
10am I was on the way to Alabang for the interview at 1pm. Spent my entire time riding buses and jeeps. Anyway, the interview with the principal turned out well. :) I am proud of myself.
6:30pm I arrive at one of the best Ayala Malls near my place. I looked so harrassed from the travel but my internet buddy wanted to meet up. Oh ain't I blessed! He treated me to dinner and kept saying how I looked awesome even if I was stressed. :)
Thursday. May 14
4:30 had to be up and about
5:30 was at the MRT already, by 8am I arrived in Alabang, ready to take the slew of exams the entire day. I made new friends out of the applicants who also took the exam. Didn't really bother to ask their names since I wasn't that interested at all. It was so draining, the exams, I mean. Battery tests on psychology, personality, consistency. Then, there's critical thinking, teacher aptitude tests too. WHOA! I survived though I really wanted to talk to just about anyone if only to let go of how badly I did on the tests. I hope I pass, I need to get the job.
Friday, May 15
I get my rest.
Happy weekend, everyone! :)
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Home-based Biz
I've always been fascinated by home-based or sideline business ideas. Eversince Entrepreneur mag came out in the metro, I see to it that I get the latest copy. Articles on rags to riches never fail to inspire me to invest on a business someday. After reading countless success stories, a lot of lessons ring true despite the different scenarios and such. Here are a few tips and tricks:
I happened to stumble on this site. http://www.sixmonthmba.com/2009/02/999ideas.html
It has some cool business ideas that would help spark your own personal start-up idea.
- get into something that you are passionate about
- know how to do costing, money matters
- continue learning upgrading your skills
- understand customer wants and needs
I happened to stumble on this site. http://www.sixmonthmba.com/2009/02/999ideas.html
It has some cool business ideas that would help spark your own personal start-up idea.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Summer To-Do's
The weather's been quite predictable lately: extremely warm in the mornings, cloudy by mid-afternoon and rainy by late afternoon. Living in a tropical climate still takes some getting used to. By now, you'd think 26 years in this rain and shine setting is more than enough to psyche me into accepting this atmospheric moodswings... im not really complaining, just gets a little bit boring sometimes.
So, here I am bearing the midday heat with a single electric fan which doesn't really abate the hot weather what with this puppy body heat on my lap. She's taking one of those doggy naps again, possibly a sign of yet another lazy holiday afternoon. Ah, lazy... I've mentally prepared myself not to fall into the temptation of sloth. I've resolved to do productive things today, all in preparation for the things I plan to do this summer of 2009.
Have a productive summer everyone! :)
So, here I am bearing the midday heat with a single electric fan which doesn't really abate the hot weather what with this puppy body heat on my lap. She's taking one of those doggy naps again, possibly a sign of yet another lazy holiday afternoon. Ah, lazy... I've mentally prepared myself not to fall into the temptation of sloth. I've resolved to do productive things today, all in preparation for the things I plan to do this summer of 2009.
- study for graduate studies entrance exam
- personal statement for the application
- find a teaching job
- rubber foam crafts portfolio
- art portfolio
- attend a teacher seminar
- study for foreign service exam (which I was so eager to take until my interests got caught up with my sideline business... now, I feel like refunding my 500p application fee... only that I don't want to go to the paper trouble of getting it back. ARGH!)
Have a productive summer everyone! :)
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