I started teaching film in 2001. But before my "formal" teaching post, my mentor let me takeover his class for about two weeks because he had to shoot a documentary in Washington DC, USA. I enjoyed the experience and promised myself that someday I will teach in a public university---to give back any knowledge my mentors gave me. So, with so much idealism and hope, I taught for four years at a public university in Manila. On my first foray at teaching, I had about 50 students per class (taught 3 classes that semester)! The building was a bit old and dilapidated. No aircon. No chairs. The students had to sit on the floor to listen to my lecture. I had to "donate" an electric fan and DVD player to make my class enjoyable. I also brought my own DVDs which were all original and were bought in different parts of the globe so my students can enjoy and learn about world cinema. I am proud of my students in that batch/university because they have become my "colleagues" now.
After four years, I stopped teaching to concentrate on my film debut. But the teaching bug has bitten me so when my alma mater invited me, I said yes right away. All in all, I have taught in five schools! Since I value education, I don't have the guts to turn down any teaching invite. I am quite passionate in my "art" that is why I love to share my experiences to young people.
Right now, this is our classroom---so different from my 1st teaching experience. My students sit on bean bags. We have a big HDTV LCD television for film screenings with matching Dolby surround sound and a centralized winter cold aircon.
They look so serious in the picture here. Maybe because it is a writing class---they are doing an exercise to hone their writing skills. But believe me, pictures can be deceiving because most of them are wacky and playful! Their seriousness is only for a "show." LOL. I'm posting their pictures as a way to get back at them for coming to class late and not submitting their assignments on time :)
I love teaching and the level of difficulty for each student varies but what the heck, I am living my dream!
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