"It's more worthwhile to work in a refugee camp. These people are displaced. They lost their families, their homes... I know they need my help badly and only a person with a good heart will be able to serve the less fortunate without having second thoughts or mental reservation".
Andrew: Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I'm
standing here with Marissa Ladica, who is a former PFAC Palawan teacher in HTC. Marissa came all the way from Cavite,
Philippines to join our PFAC Palawan Grand Reunion 2015. How are you doing tonight, Marissa?
Marissa: Honestly speaking, I'm so delighted to be
here. Good evening everyone!
Andrew: Good evening to you too. Well, Marissa, you have a great personality and you are adored by your Vietnamese students and loved by many of your co-teachers. What is your secret to being you?
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Marissa: Well I guess that you just have to act
naturally. Just be yourself. I'm always respectful of others, young and
old. I'm gentle, tactful and diplomatic.
I'm also very careful in everything that I say and do. I'm kind and mindful of others.
Andrew: I see that in you and I totally agree. As a teacher, Marissa, how do you inspire the
people that you serve?
Marissa: As a teacher I strongly believe that I should
be a good role model to my students. Before
I utter something, I always make sure that what I will say will not have a bad
effect on others. As a teacher I have to be extra careful with my words and
actions because I know the students will imitate what they see in me and if
what they see is negative it can be damaging not only to me but most especially
to my students. I care about my students
and I don't want them to be in that position.
Andrew: You are absolutely right, Marissa and I
respect you for that. You know, what I
really admire about you is that you are very positive in your dealing with
other people. Why do you think it is important to offer suggestions rather than
criticisms when the students make mistakes?
Marissa: Criticizing others could be harsh or cruel. When
you make suggestions instead, you are actually helping other people effect a positive
change. Consequently, you do not offend them or damage their pride or self
esteem.
Andrew: That is so true, Marissa and I absolutely
agree with you. Has anyone in your
family ever spoken to you about the importance of having balance between work
and family life?
Marissa: Definitely!
During my time in PFAC my father, who used to be a school principal, once advised me to have equal time for both
work and family. He saw that I was so passionate about my job with the
Vietnamese refugees and he advised me not to change anything but just put more
quality family time. I looked up to my
father as a role model and he and I often talked about my work with the
refugees and international volunteers and he was immensely proud of me.
Andrew: You obviously have a great father. Now, what do you advise your co-teachers to
do to make sure that they are able to maintain professionalism in their chosen
occupation?
Marissa: Being a professional means you do not count
the amount of work that is assigned to you.
You do not focus on the money that you are being paid for. You have to keep in mind that you are not
there for the salary. You are there to
serve the students regardless of who they are.
You have to be committed in everything that you do. You focus on service not monetary gain.
Andrew: Absolutely amazing. Marissa, if you could turn back the clock,
would you decide to go back to PFAC Palawan and offer your volunteer services to
help the Vietnamese refugees once again? Why?
Marissa: Absolutely!
I would definitely do it again. It's more
worthwhile to work in a refugee camp.
These people are displaced. They
left their native land, lost their families, their homes... I know that they need my help badly and only a
person with a good heart will be able to serve the less fortunate without having second thoughts or mental reservation. My presence in the camp will mean a lot to
them. It's so fulfilling to be able to serve
and make a difference in the lives of the people who truly need you.
Andrew: Wow! Marissa,
this is one additional question that I'd like you to address.
Marissa: Please go ahead.
Andrew: Thanks!
Well, many Vietnamese will be reading this interview on our PFAC Palawan
Blog. What is your message to the
Vietnamese people who used to reside in PFAC Palawan? What do you want to tell them?
Marissa: First and foremost I want them to know that I
love them and I mean it. The memories
that we shared will forever linger in my heart.
Although I know that I might not have a chance to meet them again, the
fond memories that we had in the past will never be erased.
Andrew: Thank you very much, Marissa. Thank you very much for sharing your time and
perspectives. On behalf of the
Vietnamese people I would like to sincerely thank you for your invaluable
services in the refugee camp. Your
services in the camp will forever remain in the hearts of the Vietnamese, especially
your former students.
Marissa: I'm so honored. And thank you for this interview. It gave me the opportunity to express my
feelings for the Vietnamese people. I'm
truly honored, really. Thanks, Andy for
choosing me for this interview.
Andrew: You're quite welcome.
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