The dream catcher

I DID a report on dream catchers for my history class as kid, so I was ecstatic to find the teacher of my kids, Ms. Olwen Seriosa, creating and selling them on her Instagram account.

Dream catchers are Native American talismans, which are quite rare to find in our region. These are traditionally used to protect sleeping people, especially children, from nightmares. They are often hung above the bed to attract all sorts of dreams through its webs. Good dreams pass through and gently slide down the feathers to the one sleeping, while bad dreams are caught in the protective net and destroyed by the light of day.

Ms. Olwen narrated: “I had a dream catcher in my bedroom in high school. It was originally my Aunt Mayette who created them, and then, she taught me. When I posted our creations on IG (Instagram), a lot of people wanted to buy them. Given its origins and legends, dream catchers today are more than pretty aesthetics. They add positivity to person’s day and symbolize literally catching one’s dreams.”

I found it quite apt that she, who helps guide children to chase and catch their dreams, makes these beautiful charms. Ms. Olwen is the dream catcher for many children who enter her classroom in the Abbas Orchard School. My two older children were lucky to have been under her care and guidance.

She started her teaching career in 2006, applying to be a Casa (pre-school) teacher for Abbas. However, the directress noted that she is more suited as elementary guide, so she started with level 1 (grade 1 to 3), then eventually onto level 2 (grade4 to 6) in 2014. She noted that moving up was a step out of her comfort zone, but she welcomed the challenge, her heart brimming with passion for kids.

She shared: “Like most teachers, it’s my desire to motivate children to achieve their dreams: small or big. I think of each child as a soul. Academics may be a big part of the curriculum, but there are other facets in education where children can learn and actually teach others. They say, what is a full mind if your heart is empty?”

Ms. Olwen said that each child learns differently.

“I usually observe first if a child can finish a certain task, given his strengths and weaknesses. The moment he stops and declares that he cannot, I do ‘conference’ with him. This is a casual meeting so we can get to the root of why he is struggling,” she said.

This teacher is a Xavier University graduate of Development Communication, major in Journalism. I pointed out how she strayed from being a journalist and pursued its polar opposite (the other DevCom major is Education Communication).

She smiled and said, “I look at my sons, Third and North, who are scholars in our school, and I also see the children in my class and say, to write and do research can wait. For now, I simply love teaching because I believe in every child. Teaching is like a second skin. Moderating a Scribe's Club in school and teaching about writing somehow bring me into the world of Journalism.”

Miss Olwen said that each child has dreams of his own.

She expounded, “A child needs the adults surrounding him to believe in him. That he can do things! The child deserves respect even in the littlest thing he does. Then in time, that child grows up and becomes a responsible man, who's more than willing to fulfill his dreams…hopefully, to be in service for others too.”

Being immersed in the Montessori movement for more than a decade has opened Ms. Olwen’s eyes and heart to many opportunities. She has met people from different walks of life. At times, she feels like a child again, learning new tricks and unlearning a few old ones to become better.

Her biggest realization is teaching does not end in the 4 walls of a classroom.

She said: “Teaching is a way of life. It’s a gift. They say, we cannot teach what we don't know. And that gives me the urge to know and prepare more than what's expected of me. In that way, I improve every school year to serve kids better.”

She shared: “I learned to climb mountains, trek nature trails, explore mangrove forests, did educational outreach programs, and in time become part of Beyond TV. The latter is an outdoors experiential activity, where I still teach through facilitating.” Because of her passion, she also pursued further studies, taking Professional Education, Special Education, and passing the licensure exam.

She noted that being around children taught her perseverance, determination, and keeping a child-like wonder. Through some students, she learned the creative art of packing lunch or bento, which is another artistic outlet she loves.

She explained: “Being surrounded by rambunctious kids may be tiring to some. But when you love what you do, it is not tiring. Funny thing, when I feel down, the more I want to go to school to feel energized.”

She tends to her succulents as a way to de-stress.

“Years ago, one of my sons got sick and was admitted to the ICU. I was at the brink of depression and was advised by a friend to plant,” Ms. Olwen said.

This teacher realized there was something calming about nurturing succulents. In some way, it is similar to what she does for all the children whose lives she touches. She helps children bloom, thrive, and grow.

Now, this dream catcher personified has added making the actual talisman to her activities.

“Our dream catchers are unique. We customize according to the client’s size, color preferences, and the availability of materials like the ring, feathers and laces,” Ms. Olwen shared.

To find out more check: IG @olwenyen or www.orochornicles.com/dreamcatchers. Chase and catch your dreams!