Director's Cut: (This portion features the thoughts of DepED 11 Regional Director Susana Teresa B. Estigoy, CESO IV to all stakeholders and recipients of the efforts to improve the basic education) I do not consider my job as plain work --- rather it is my LIFE. "We have to continually examine what succeeds and fails, and why. We have to uphold and live true to our battlecry and DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus' slogan of governance: "Edukasyon ang Solusyon"
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For my first article in this column for Year 2010, let me share with you some lessons on how to succeed in life.
Stephen Covey, the author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People shared this story of a very strong woodcutter who asked for a job in a timber merchant, and he got it. Because the pay was really good and so were the work conditions he was determined to do his best. His boss gave him an axe and showed him the area where he was supposed to work.
The first day, the woodcutter brought 18 trees but the next day, he only could bring 15 trees and 10 trees on the third day. Day after day he was bringing less and less trees.
"I must be losing my strength," the woodcutter thought. He went to the boss and apologized, saying that he could not understand what was going on.
"When was the last time you sharpened your axe?" the boss asked.
"Sharpen? I had no time to sharpen my axe. I have been very busy trying to cut trees..."
This story tells us that though we are doing our job and doing it well, we have to give attention to the other aspects of our being human. We have to meet our spiritual, physical, physiological, mental and other needs to make us a complete being and be productive in our work.
Neil Eskelin in his article 'Keep Marketing You', emphasized the need to persevere against all odds. He said that if you're qualified for a particular job, never stop interviewing -- even if you return to the same companies five or six times. Meanwhile, you need to accept an interim position to keep yourself gainfully employed. When you add lack of funds to job rejection, it's a double-whammy. Never overlook working for a "temporary" employment agency. It gives you a chance to demonstrate your skills to a number of companies and can open some exciting doors. As a last resort, start free-lancing your skills. Who knows? You may wind up with your own business and be your own boss!
Brian Cavanaugh in his article Become What You Want To Be, related the life story of Wilma Rudolph, a US Olympian who pocketed three gold medals.
Wilma was the 20th of 22 children, prematurely born and frail. Her survival was doubtful. When she was four years old she had double pneumonia and scarlet fever - a deadly combination that left her with a paralyzed and useless left leg. She had to wear an iron leg brace. Yet she was fortunate in having a mother who encouraged her and told her that she was very bright, that despite the brace and leg, she could do whatever she wanted to do with her life. She told her that all she needed to do was to have faith, persistence, courage and indomitable spirit.
So at nine years of age, the little girl removed the leg brace. In four years, she developed a rhythmic stride, which was a medical wonder. At age 13, she entered a race. She came in last - way, way last. She entered every race in high school, and in every race she came in last. Everyone begged her quit! However, one day, she came in next to last. And then there came a day when she won a race. From then on, Wilma Rudolph won every race that she entered.
Wilma went to Tennessee State University, where she met a coach named Ed Temple who saw the indomitable spirit of the girl, that she was a believer and that she had great natural talent. He trained her so well that she went to the Olympic Games. Wilma Rudolph had earned three Olympic gold medals.
Lastly, to really do our share in our company's or institution's progress, learn a lesson from this about four people: Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it but Nobody realised that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody have done.
Be the best of what you are. If you are teacher, be the best teacher. If you are a student, be the best student. We can simply meet the expectations of our clients and our boss but to be great, we have to exceed their expectations. Being 'great' is better than just an 'average'. (Stories taken from http://www.inspirationalstories.com)
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You can access DepED Updates, latest issuances and other relevant information through our website: http://www.region11.deped.gov.ph. For comments, suggestions and/or contributions, email me at renzthescribe@gmail.com. or visit http://renzmendoza.multiply.com. for photos and other relevant information. For queries, complains and other concerns, call DepED Region 11 at (082) 227-9342 or fax to (082) 227-1102.
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Mr. Lorenzo E. Mendoza, M.A. is the Regional Supervisor in Filipino for Secondary, Regional Information Officer, Regional ICT and Library Hub Coordinator.