11/08/2025
Real Talk from a Kindergarten Teacher in Thailand šµšš¹šāļø
Life Lessons from the Classroom (and Beyond)
Not every day is sunshine and ABCs. Some days, we smile while tired. We teach while homesick. We give even when we feel empty. But somehowāby graceāwe continue.
Here are 7 real and practical lessons that keep me grounded as a teacher:
1ļøā£ Start and end with routineābut leave room for grace.Young learners thrive in predictability, but real life isn't always predictable. Be structured, but flexible. Allow space for mistakes, growth, and even quiet days.
2ļøā£ Donāt forget: youāre human, not a superhero.There will be days youāre too tired to decorate the board or finish all the checking. Rest. Youāre still a good teacher, even when you're not productive 24/7.
3ļøā£ Connection over perfection.Kids wonāt remember the perfect lesson plan. But theyāll remember how you made them feelāsafe, seen, and loved. Focus on the heart, not just the charts.
4ļøā£ Live outside your teacher title.You are also a daughter, son, sibling, friend. Cook your favorite food. Call your family. Watch a Filipino movie. Donāt let work steal your whole identity.
5ļøā£ Homesickness is normal. Donāt carry it alone.Talk to a fellow OFW, journal your thoughts, or spend quiet time in prayer. Being strong doesnāt mean being silent.
6ļøā£ Know your limits. Respect them.Say no when needed. Leave schoolwork at school. You canāt pour from an empty cupāso refill yours, without guilt.
7ļøā£ When you feel burnt out, donāt push harderāpause and pray.Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is be still. Let God refill what the world drained. Trust that your efforts are seen, even when unrecognized.
To my fellow OFWs, especially teachers:
You may be working abroadābut youāre not alone.You may feel exhaustedābut youāre making a difference. You may be unseenābut God sees you.
Keep showing up. Keep shining. And donāt forget to rest
