Acknowledgement
I would like to give this space to acknowledge and express my thanks to:
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The University of Mindanao, for opening this kind of partnership with SEAMEO and allowing us the chance to represent the institution internationally. More especially to UM Matina VP ERIAO, Reynaldo Castro, UMTC School Director, Dr. Evelyn P. Saludes, UMTC Dean of College, Dr. Gina Fe Israel, BEED Program Head, Dr. Mona Chagas, and to all ERAAO personnel, thank you so much for this opportunity!
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To SEAMEO, for making the dreams come true of aspiring educators like me. I always used to hope of this kind of chance before, so I am very fortunate to be one of the SEA-Teachers of Batch 9. This venture truly unlocked many lessons for me that I am looking forward to applying in the future.
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Dong Thap Province, you will always have my heart! The people there were nothing short of amazing. They were very welcoming and hospitable, plus the food was *chef's kiss* You guys make the best drinks. I will surely miss your green tea!
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Dong Thap University, we are grateful for your warm welcome and for providing us with the best accommodation. I am forever thankful to Mr. Truc, Ms. Mai, Mr. Tien, and our supervisor, Ms. Cao for making sure we are cared for and we're all doing things according to plan.
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To Future School, you left me inspired by your level of dedication to fostering your students. It was an honor teaching in your school and meeting your teachers and teaching assistants-- most importantly, your promising students. The three days we spent there were spectacular and really gave me a handful of perspectives about being a teacher.
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To Miss Ana, whom with best luck we had the chance of knowing, your hands-on supervision and wise advice played a big part in ensuring the success of our demo teaching. That's all despite of the very cramped schedule. And to Teachers Rob and Milrose-- thank you so much for the fun lunch!
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To UMTC BSED Program Head, Dr. Armand James Vallejo, a thousand thanks for being there every step of the way, Sir. Without your firm conviction, this whole thing would not have been feasible. We owe a big part of this success to you!
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To my co-SEA Teachers from Ilo-Ilo-- Elle and Ram, and Indonesia, I really appreciate your existence. I am lucky that I spent my days with you, Tia, Alya, Salma, Ezi (aka "not difficult"), Angga, Naufal, and our roomie, Icha! I got to immerse with 2 cultures at once and I am grateful to you guys for sharing your country with us through your food and our talks. Thank you once again for your kindness all throughout this voyage.
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To our Em Ois! Our dear buddies who later on became our close friends- Italia, Thai, Tina, Sirt, Pink, Tracie, No, AG, and many more! A million thanks for making sure we were secured and safe especially when crossing the street and for accompanying us during our trips. Thank you for quenching our curiosities about your place and your country. It has been a pleasure knowing you all and hopefully, you feel the same way about us. I wish you success with your studies and may you find contentment with life. You guys really made our stay 1000x more worthwhile.
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Lastly, I am forever thankful to my family, who were supportive of me since Day 1. I love you all!
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And with that, I end this open letter with words by Deepak Chopra who said, "You must find the place inside yourself where nothing is impossible."