Godspeed, Ma'am Oding!

Ms. Alodia Saluib must be one teacher one can’t easily forget. For who would forget one who is a real terror, not just in class but even outside?

The kids that we were, we hated her. Tangnga cannot be noisy in her presence. Even those just walking around can get her ire – “bawal agsagudsod i tsinelas”, “bawal i mamaribok,” etc.

As her students, we feared her a lot. She is doubly strict and a disciplinarian to a fault - from our youthful point-of-view. She takes her lessons seriously, so one must always be ready for class. No one would dare want to be the center of a full dressing down.

But that, we later realize, was just her style, the manner she embraced to send her message across, and stay. The strong personality was a facade to an inner desire to develop strong-willed students.

And that I appreciated as I matured. Living in the shadow of strict people did create a deeper character in me. And Ma’am Oding’s was one of those whose mark was etched more permanently in my psyche.

Everytime I go home, I’d always get to pass by Ma’am Saluib’s house and would waive and smile at her. As she smiles back, I knew she was happy - proud of the many achievements of the students that have passed her wings. She knew she played her part.

Now that she is gone, I can only bid her goodbye. Ma’am, thank you for instilling in us the value of dedication and discipline. Thank you for teaching us well. Now that you have embarked on a new journey, we wish you godspeed!

Our condolences to the bereaved family and friends.