D.P.A. (Straight from the Camp)
By Francisco B. Lindero, Jr.

My reasons and more

(First of two parts)

If I had not written any stuff in three weeks, it doesn't mean I would be giving up writing. No, I don't find it a wise decision. And, you will know why!

My absence on this page was not a vacation. Otherwise, you would have read my pieces. But the fact that this column was in silent mode for weeks, I could only left in your imagination how urgent were the matters I was up then. Urgent matters as they were not because I should accomplish things as a matter of life and death. It was not the point. Urgent, because I was only given few days to signify my intention in various offers. Opportunities, I may call them. And, I was reminded of an old adage that says, “Opportunity knocks only once”. So, if there is one before you, do not procrastinate. In no moment, jump on it! But it would be a different case when several opportunities come almost in same instant. It needs discernment. You cannot just trust your impulse! It is deceiving at times. I mean, most of the time.

*****

These were what I had the past weeks.

I got an invitation to teach. Yes, somebody believes in my potential to mold minds. And I am sure, that man has no mystic power or ESP of any sort. But he is confident that I can handle the delicate tasks of a teacher.

I was flattered with that invitation. I didn't consider myself worthy of the duty to deliberate students from their ignorance. This is how I looked myself after three schools did not prefer my application. The reason: I didn't earn a Masters. I was a fresh graduate then. They made me believed I was incompetent. Such led me to consider the distinction I earned in four years of sacrifice and diligence in college devoid of significance.

I don't have a Masters still. But, with that offer, I realized that some schools have indeed realized that not all with M.As and Ph.Ds attached their names are better off professors in Philosophy than those whose years in college were about knowing and understanding the ultimate causes of things.

****

Three fellows surprised me with their requests the other week. They were asked to make thesis proposals as part of the requirements in their course. And, they asked me to make one for each of them. For a fee! I did not make pretensions. I admitted to them that I don't have formal training in making such. Though I ventured in making theses several times before.

They were insistent and believed in me. So, I'd given up. I robbed my wife a night to make the proposals. Fortunately, they passed. I earned. I learned.

Let me however make this appeal to the Masters and Ph.D professors, or any professors for that matter. When you require your students to make a thesis be sure you have given them sufficient backgound on how to do so. It's not enough that you've given them the book and explain nothing of it. As the professors of all who came to me did. Because, if you still do, it is no doubt that research and thesis consultancy will soon become a lucrative business in this part of the country.

*****

Another opportunity that knocked my door was the appointment as secretary of the Board of Directors of the cooperative. This is my first time. I was hesitant when offered with the position but the per diem cast away my doubt. Besides, with new fare rate, who am I to refuse the offer? I need money. And, who does not?

Indeed, as the costs of everything and anything increase in no moment, we cannot just depend on our salary. We have to stretch our time and energy to earn in some other way.

*****

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