Juggling Lessons, Lectures, and Love: the Perks of a Teacher’s Journey

By. Ismiati P. Subiana, M.Pd. (English Teacher at MTs Asih Putera)

 

As an English teacher at a Junior High School and a recent graduate of a Master's degree in English Language Education from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, I've been trying to juggle multiple responsibilities. The journey has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and countless cups of coffee.

The demands of teaching, studying, and motherhood have often felt like a three-ring circus. The classroom, the library, and the home have become my three stages. Each performance requires a different set of skills, patience, and energy.

Time management has been a constant struggle. Finding time for assignments, readings, and study sessions within the chaos of lesson planning, grading, and family responsibilities has been a challenge. The physical and mental exhaustion that comes with juggling so many roles can be overwhelming. Ensuring that I’m giving enough quality time to my family, students, and myself has been a priority.

Despite the challenges, the Master’s program has allowed me to grow as an educator and as an individual. Sharing my experiences with my students has inspired them to pursue their own academic goals. The support I’ve received from my family, friends, and colleagues has been invaluable.

As an LPDP awardee, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with other talented individuals and gain valuable experiences. The scholarship has provided me with the financial support and resources necessary to pursue my Master’s degree.

While the journey has been demanding, it has also been incredibly rewarding. I’m grateful for the opportunity to pursue my Master’s degree while continuing to teach and raise my family. The challenges I’ve faced have made me a stronger, more resilient individual.

There were times when I felt like I was going to lose my mind. The weight of all the responsibilities I was juggling was massive. But I kept going, fuelled by the determination to finish what I had started. Seeing my kids’ faces, their bright eyes filled with wonder was my constant reminder of why I was doing all of this. They were my energy, my motivation, the reason I pushed through the toughest days.

Through this experience, I've learned that with perseverance and dedication, anything is possible. Even when life seems overwhelming, it's important to hold onto your dreams and strive towards your goals. There's a saying that goes, "Where there's a will, there's a way." I believe that wholeheartedly. My journey has proven that even in the chaos of everyday life, it's possible to achieve great things.

 

To my dear children, Bunda is so grateful for your love and support. I understand that sometimes it felt like I wasn't around when I was studying, but I promise you were always in my thoughts. I wanted to be the best version of myself for you, and pursuing my Master's degree was a step toward that goal. Now that I've finished, I promise to be more present and to spend quality time with you. I love you all so much.

Last but not least, as a teacher, I believe in the importance of lifelong learning. Our profession requires us to constantly adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of our students. By pursuing my education, I was able to broaden my horizons and gain new insights into the field of education. I hope that my journey inspires you to never stop learning and to always strive for personal growth. The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong adventure, waiting to be explored.