Use your god-given Talents and Professional skills to make an impact for the gospel

“I started working at Faith Academy in 2013 and my plan was to stay and teach for only a year, which became two, then more. I didn’t expect to meet my husband here, though! We taught next door to each other, became friends, and fell in love. We got married, and we love doing life as a family with our 11-month old daughter. We look forward to the day when she can attend Faith and be a Vanguard too!

A big part of what keeps us here is the community. The parents, staff members and students at Faith have demonstrated so much love and care for us, and we love investing in those around us. Also, our students bring many different experiences and backgrounds to school each day, sharing their unique gifts and talents. Our teachers are invested in developing students both academically and spiritually. I love seeing the small but significant steps of growth that happen each day!”

“The first six weeks of first grade are not easy for me or my students. The kids are adjusting to the ‘big kid class’ – struggling to find their stamina and learning that reading and writing is actually really hard work. But as the year moves along it is unbelievable how much they grow, not only as readers and writers but as little human beings. They start to think about things on such a deeper level and by the end of the year I don’t want to see them go.

When I look back on how far they have come from the beginning of the year, I see that this is the year in kid’s lives where they get into their little rockets and take off for the moon. Even though I am the teacher, here are a few things that I have learned from first graders:

1. Everything is hard at the beginning. But if you can keep slogging on and trying your best, the hard work will pay off and you will reap the rewards in the end.

2. Wiggly teeth are very distracting, and when they finally come out it is important to celebrate. (We need to celebrate even the small things in our lives.)

3. God is interested in every detail of our lives. Even if our dogs have sniffles, or our parents are flying halfway round the world, God can take care of it all.

4. We need to pray like first graders. They pray with so much faith and believe with all their hearts that God will answer. (Our prayer time at the beginning of each day is my absolute highlight)

5. A little band aid and just some words to acknowledge their ‘owie’ can make such a difference. We need to remember that we don’t have to have all the answers but just a kind word to one another can make such a difference.

6. 1st Graders get excited about everything and find joy in the little things such as a hand full of marbles in the marble jar. What are some small things that we can appreciate and find joy?

7. Life is an adventure . . . there is so much to learn. Let’s always be lifelong learners.”

“My most memorable experience while working in Middle School was my first time attending Outdoor Ed at Taal, Volcano for a hike. I had the chance to be on the island, not only that but they let me be involved in the ministry aside from working in the office. I loved being around the kids in the school ministry, singing praise songs, and sharing the word of God through storytelling.”

“I (Rose) first came to Faith Academy in November 2005, working as operator of the Copier Machine, contracted with another company until 2012, but was not yet a Faith employee. I became an official office assistant in 2012 by God’s grace. Working at Faith Academy is really a blessing and is also an answered prayer for me. I prayed to God that hopefully he would bless me with a job that is just near home so I would be able to stay near family. I cherish all the moments of sitting down to eat dinner with my mother and siblings, and just being able to spend time with them after arriving home from work.Through this, I have seen God’s goodness, and I am so grateful for Him placing me here at this school.

One of the things I enjoy about my job is interacting and being around and able to learn from the Faith students. When I first started working here, assisting the students was a huge learning experience because they were asking me questions that I didn’t even know all the answers to! But, I am grateful to have Ate Mars here by my side always there to help. Faith students are so gifted with the talents they show through theatre, art, sports, and academics. I find it all admirable and they never cease to amaze me. I’m really blessed and thankful to be part of FA community.”

“I (Mars) joined Faith Academy in 2004 as the Assistant High School Secretary, and then moved up my current position. Aside my work here at Faith Academy I am also very much involved in my church as a deacon’s wife, Sunday School Head and teacher and also member in our church worship team ministry.

Now, what is my favorite Faith Academy story from the past 13 years? I can’t think of just one, but I think being able to meet with different people from different countries from all around the world is one of my favorite things. I am able to get a taste of all the countries I have never been to because of the different nationalities I get to encounter here at Faith. The ability to face, converse, assist, etc. to different kind of nationalities, for me, is such a privilege.

Something I love about this school and the students is the uniqueness it holds. I get to have my fun moments with them – especially when they try to converse in Tagalog! I enjoy all the little things, like giving their locker combinations, especially during appreciation days, which is a day when you get to appreciate your friends by placing a little treat in their locker for them. With all honesty, for thirteen years in the high school office, I have cherished every moment of helping and assisting our students in my own little ways and Lord willing will continue ’till my retirement day. Wait, I also think that high school students are smart and very talented!”