Final Chapter of Journey (Summary and Suggestion)

Pangasinan State University (PSU) is one of the Top performing State University and Colleges in the Philippines. It has a nine campuses namely PSU Bayambang, PSU San Carlos, PSU Asingan, PSU Urdaneta,PSU Sta. Maria, PSU Infanta, PSU Alaminos, PSU Binmaley and PSU Lingayen. All PSU has the same Vission and Mission which are, to become an ASEAN Premier State University in 2020 and The Pangasinan State University, through instruction,research, extension and production commits to develop highly principled, morally upright, innovative and globally competent individual capable mof meeting the needs of industry, public service and civil society. PSU Bayambang is known in producing an outstanding and globally competent Teachers, not just like that but also in producing Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) Topnatchers. The PSU Bayambang is truly capable in engaging community in school which will help the continuous progress of the school and at the same time the community. It has also a great leadership inside the school. The student leaders are also inspired by the Greatest leader of PSU, Dr. Dexter R.  Buted.

The faculty staffs are also a good example of best relationship. This is also a key to keep the good performance of Bayambang. Having a good relationship is not yet enough to meet the expectation of the other school. The teachers are also enthusiast in their own field. They have shown a quality performance in teaching. They will not just teach to give information of knowledge. They are teaching to touch everyone’s heart and to inspire them. This is how they show the importance of education to any students.

The curriculum are aligned with CHED or Commission on Higher Education Designed 

Curriculum. PSU Bayambang is using the K-12 curriculum wherein it will start at kindergarten, 6 years in Elementary, 4 years in Junior high school and 2 years in Senior high school. This curriculum is to achieve the goals of PSU Bayambang.  It has an Institutional outcomes to be achieved  next year after a year or the following year. This is just an evidence on how the PSU Bayambang performed a quality performance among the other SUC or State University and Colleges.

In addition, the PSU Bayambang has elementary, Junior high school, senior high school and college. It has conducive buildings for teaching and learning process. PSU has an accessible Library and Laboratories. It also has enough equipment and resources in improving the physical appearance of PSU. When it comes in facilities, they need to provide more facilities for the students to learn and for the teachers to teach. But this scarcity is not a hindrance to teach students, and I salute those teachers who are not using Instructional materials and still they teach very well. The Teachers of Pangasinan State University Bayambang Campus are truly the best visual aids.

The teaching and learning process are student centered. This is how the teachers engaged their students in learning. The teachers are capable to utilize all the available facilities to sustain the needs of any students and one thing I learned is that there is no such as best method.

Now, this is where I have to say my farewell to my new family who brings my broken pieces of heart with them. This is so sad I could not even say greetings to the readers. Do excuse me, writing this one give me nostalgia that I just want to get back and put my friends in Philippines in my suitcase and bring them along to Indonesia.

Where to begin when I am confused on how to close this chapter?

This journey was, at first, very interesting for me. Going to a new place in a noble goal; to teach. How cool is that? I was nervous, happy, excited and sad the first time I departed to Philippines. It was such a really new thing for me. I haven't gone anywhere without my parents by my side. Yet, there I was, standing in another country airport where people speak language I do not know anything of. And now? Here I am, back in my home, writing this.

The purpose of SEA Teacher is very clear to me. They want the student teachers to experience new things that they will not have in their own country. You have to adapt to the condition whether you like it or not. Whether you like the new lesson plan or not. You do not know anything the first time you got in there. You have to adapt with other dormmates who you will live together with for one month.

Did I face challenges? Tons of it. The weather, people, foods (since moslem has to eat halal foods), away from home, etc. The list is too long to be put attention to. It's just, your world will be turned 360 degrees from your usual normal. And at first, the thing that will cross your mind may be, "I want to go home ASAP."

Darling, it is not that easy. Do remember your intention of joining SEA Teacher. Will it be difficult to face? Very. Will it be frustrating? Beyond frustrating. Yet, will it be beautiful? Painfully beautiful, yes.

SEA Teacher is one of out of my comfort zone, truly. I have to make friends, which I am bad at, and here I am. Having more family, out of my expectation. I bonded with everyone. With my dormmates, my students, my student teachers, my mentor, my supervisor. Difficult to leave them is an understatement. More like reluctant to leave. How can you leave something when your heart is attached to it?

I stepped out of my comfort zone and overcame many obstacles. I grew. I developed.

This event is not a waste for me. Even, if I am given the chance to go back to Pangasinan State University, I will take it.

This post is getting emotional. Oopsy.

Though, I do hope that the future student teacher will get, at least, the format of lesson plan of their receiving university. So, they will not be surprised when it comes to use it.

I have so many photos in my gallery, but looking at it making me (truthfully) sad. So, I guess the pictures will be my personal collection only. Sorry not sorry.

Yours always,

Suci Layla Utami

Student teacher of SEA Teacher Batch 6

Who hopes to go to Bayambang PSU again someday.
(Which I mean very soon. I miss my friends there)