Lunch Talk: A Discussion on Citizenship

I had fun during lunch today. I sat with some Sixth Graders and they told me that their last class was Social Studies. We had a lively discussion on citizenship. I was told that one can become a Filipino citizen either by birth or by naturalization. We had several combinations of parents and different examples of ways one can become a Filipino.

Then I asked, "If you had a chance to be born again, what citizenship would you like to have?" Angela said, "Filipino, of course." Karl said he wanted to try out something new and be Canadian. Karen said she wanted to be Korean. I guess this is because of the Korean shows she sees on TV. Then Clifford said, "I want to be Chinese." I asked him why. He said, "I like noodles!" :)

Photo Credit: http://www.matsuk12.us/tms/lib/tms/lunch.gif

Today - August 17, 2009

As I write this I am in a hotel room in Honduras (on-du'-rras). I am writing to remember that today, I had the privilege to orient the Academic Director of Food for Hungry Minds School Honduras, Fernando. He had so many good questions. Thankfully, I had some answers.

More than five years ago, I would not have thought of being in a country in Central America telling someone my Hungry Minds stories. I just concentrated on doing what I loved and what I needed/wanted to do. Look at where these have brought me now. I had a good trip down memory lane reliving all the good times and the hard lessons. As I told those stories, I was just so proud of children, parents, teachers, staff, donors, and volunteers who have been with me once, twice, or throughout the whole endeavor. I am so honored to be in this journey and to be surrounded by people who have been of so much help.

I know that in the future there will be more stories written, more pictures taken, and more lives transformed because of Food for Hungry Minds. I just don't want to forget today.

And I write back...

Ayi's mother was in school today, so I was able to send her my response.

July 2, 2009

Dear Ayi,

It was such a treat to receive your letter. :) Thank you very much!!! I admire your courage in facing these challenges in life. I can only imagine how difficult it is to start out in a new school. Yet, you have done such a great job so far! I hope you keep up the enthusiasm and zest for learning. Remember that even if there are many obstacles, we are behind you and cheering you on. I know you will go a long way with the kind of attitude that you have. You make me so proud to be part of your life.

All the best,

Teacher Candy

A Letter from Ayi

One of the best things that could spell utter joy to a teacher is when a student comes back and tells how much difference you have made in her life. Today I am blessed with such joy because of a letter from one of the scholars of Food for Hungry Minds in its High School Program. Ayi graduated Elementary in Food for Hungry Minds School - Makati last March. She is in now in first year high school in Philippine Normal University Laboratory High School. Here's her letter.

Dear Teacher Candice,

How are you? I hope you're doing good. I am happy now with my new school. During my first day, I felt miserable. It was horrible and was such a disaster because it was so different from my old school. All the things I saw were new - new classmates, new teachers, new environment, and new faces, but I was determined to make friends and at the same time excel in my studies. On my second day, I could already breathe well because I already made new friends. My first quiz in Math was great because I was the only one who got a perfect score. In our first quiz in Science, I got 14 out of 15. I also joined the Math Club.

I realized that I have a big advantage in my subjects because our lessons here were tackled in Food for Hungry Minds School. I also realized that we had everything in Hungry Minds - crayons, markers, and dictionaries. I promise you that I will not waste this opportunity that you have given me. This is my stepping stone for success. I would also like to thank Teacher Amie and Teacher Olive who have been my inspiration in my studies. They taught me that I may not have money, but I have knowledge.

Thank you and God bless you!

Ayi

FHMS Class of 2009

1st Year, PNU Lab High School

Photo Credits:

Smiley Buttons - http://designflute.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/radioactive-happiness-face.gif

Happiness Quote - http://themadgrad.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/happiness-jpg.jpeg

Hopes and Dreams

The 4th graders voiced out what they wanted in life in a session on Hopes and Dreams that I had with them. Some of them told me they don't know how to speak in English. I assured them they would learn. Here's what some of them wrote:

• I wish that my old classmates and friends are safe.
• I want to be an "accounter" in a bank someday.
• I want to have new friends in school.
• I wish we could have a new house because our old one burned down.
• I hope I can finish College so I can send my brothers and sisters to school.
• I wish that Food for Hungry Minds can teach more children about good manners.

Most of the children asked for help in saying what they wanted to say, but this last one, surprisingly, was written without any help.

"I want to be a principal like Teacher Candice so I can lead all the children and the teachers."

This definitely made my day! Yippeee! :)

Photo credit: http://www.reneedecator.com/blog/uploaded_images/rdecator_dream-737276.jpg