iCademy Globe

The Main Drive

Josephine Chuah, Inspirational Author

Among many subjects, Chemistry is, by far, the subject which I am weakest in. Somehow, I don’t seem to blend well with Chemistry; I could never fully understand the concepts behind every formula in the subject. While I was completing the course, I only had one thought in my mind: just pass. I had already told myself that there was no way I could get a high score in Chemistry. I pretty much gave up on myself, during that bleak moment, but one person didn’t give up on me. That one person was none other than Mrs. Carlajane Costantini. She would spend close to an hour, just to make sure that I understood the concept which perplexed me.

Fortunately, Mrs. Costantini wasn’t the only teacher at iCademy who helped me unconditionally. Mrs. Chaput, Mrs. Odgers, Mrs. Sigander, Mrs. Price, Mrs. Ciotti and so many other teachers have fully dedicated themselves to their students, as well. If I was required to give an entire list of helpful instructors, half of my article would be filled with nothing but names of these wonderful teachers.

I’ve often wondered from time to time: What drives these teachers to do their job with such commitment when they do not even see their students face- to-face? What keeps them going? I do not know what other iCademy students may think. I, however, do know that it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that the teachers, who taught and are still teaching me today, have a fiery passion for teaching within them. Their willingness to stay up late to hold Elluminate sessions, to communicate one-on-one with students through Skype and Instant Messenger, their efforts in preparing the Power Point slides for final exam reviews. These are just some of the ways the passion of many iCademy teachers and advisors are expressed.

At times, they go for the extra mile, beyond their required responsibilities. Other than being there for me when I needed help academically, they wish me well when they know I am not doing so well. They actually take some time off to talk to me, to encourage me. You don’t know it, but a little chatter here and there does not just help to improve a teacher-student communication, but it also provides the support and motivation I need to pull myself through tough and trying times. It helps to boost my confidence and energy for my studies. The teachers at iCademy don’t express their opinions alone. They also encourage me to speak up, to throw my opinions around, and see how they can be molded for the better.

For the past two years in iCademy, my high school career has, thus far, been an amazing and enjoyable ride. I’ve learned, achieved and accomplished much. Nonetheless, none of that could have happened without the generous help and huge involvement of my teachers. Just because iCademy is a virtual school, it doesn’t mean these teachers just sit in front of their computers, click a few buttons here and there, and wait for their paychecks to arrive. Instead, they go through every graded and written assignment, meticulously read through every essay, and make sure they give beneficial comments and critiques towards the end. Without passion, it is impossible for a person to do these things.

I understand that, sometimes, it must become very wearisome for teachers to work in a virtual environment. They can’t see the students face-to-face, yet at the same time, they give their best shots in helping students understand the lesson. This is one of the most beautiful things I can write about. I can never fully fathom how this is possible. Nevertheless, I am truly glad to be able to a part of it.

To all iCademy teachers, advisors, and administrators, on behalf of all my iCademy pen pals, we want you to know that your work, your labor, is never in vain. We wholly appreciate all that you’ve done for us students. Lastly, from the bottom of our hearts, we want to send a sincere message to all iCademy faculty: You have positively impacted many lives across the globe. At times when the going makes it a little hard to breathe, always remember that your work will be soon paid off when you see your students achieving excellent results.