A TEACHER’S determination became the key for a student to pursue his studies despite his disability.

Zhoraida Aringay, a teacher in Luzong National High School in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, started helping Mark John “MJ” Abian in 2018 when he first showed up in school.

Abian walked with a crutch but he was eager to study despite his difficulties.

“Pasukan ng taong 2018, nakita ko siyang nakasaklay na naglalakad sa school grounds. Maaaninag sa kaniyang mga labi at ngiti ang saya sa kaniyang mata na pumasok sa paaralan. Napansin ko rin ang hirap niya sa paghakbang at hiya sa kanyang kilos, ngunit masasalamin din ang determinasyon sa kanyang bawat hakbang,” Aringay said.

When his body weakened and he could not report to school, Abian continued his studies in their home. This was where Aringay got to know the student better.

“Binibisita ko si MJ buwan-buwan. Nagsisimula kami sa kumustahan at kwentuhan. Naglalakbay kami sa iba’t ibang lugar sa pamamagitan ng mga kuwentong pambata. Naglalaro kami sa pamamagitan ng activity sheet kasama ang masining na pagkukweto na may puppets,” the teacher shared.

After their numerous sessions, Abian’s reading improved and he became more vocal with his ideas.

MJ, who is now in his final year of secondary school, is very grateful for his teacher’s persistence in helping him learn and gain self-confidence.

“Hindi siya nagsawa sa pagtuturo sa akin na bumasa at magtiwala sa aking kakayahan. Alam kong hindi naging madali sa kaniya na puntahan ako pero matiyaga siya sa pagtuturo sa akin. Nakikita ko rin sa kaniya yong wagas na dedikasyon sa kaniyang propesyon,” the student said.