Drew's Story
The road to MGP
I never thought that sending a child to school could also be difficult. When Drew turned three, there was a sudden rush of urgency knowing that she needed to get enrolled a few months after. I brought her to a known school to get a feel if she could be ready for a formal school set up. The first few days were okay, because her yaya was allowed to stay inside the classroom. But, later, when she found out her yaya was missing, she panicked and forced her way out, never to go back again.
Well, that could be a familiar example of separation anxiety, and I had no second thoughts about not enrolling her that year, simply because she wasn’t ready. But, at least I was able to save money. The following year, I was fortunate to hear from a good friend about her experience in MGP. Enough to decide instantly. So, there I was with a clingy child, grasping her tiny hand, touring the school. She seemed amused by the wooden geometric figures that looked like a toy on one side, and, interestingly, some pages of a book on the other side. I wondered if she could read already. I smiled. This little girl was comfortable during that short trip and soon, I was glad to pay the tuition fee.
I supposed the separation anxiety was over. I was wrong. Many times, I needed a bunch of tricks to persuade her to go to school. Sometimes, paying her tuition fee in advance had more advantages, aside from the discount—there was no turning back and I had no choice but to be patient. It took a while though…two years may be? How she was able to overcome it was not easy. Neither was it for a first timer parent like me.
But seeing her progress through the years made me feel it was worth it. She was a consistent director’s lister. By grade four, her writings were beginning to have more sense. Another year, and redundancies were getting less and less. She quickly learned to accompany her singing with a ukulele, then strummed her way to a six-string guitar in the same year. Amazing!
But what was common in her abilities is that she had spontaneity and would always finish her work on time. She was well focused. While doing her assignments, she would hate to be disturbed and lose her momentum. There were instances when I could only slide a snack on her table without uttering a word, under a silent pact of mutual understanding. After the break time, she would go out of her room with an empty plate of appreciation.
Time flies indeed. In a few days, she will receive her diploma. A week ago, she was sobbing. “Dad, I don’t want to leave the school!”, she cried. “I have the best experience at MGP.” I laughed. ”It’s my first time to hear you appreciate (MGP)”, I answered. “Your teachers will be happy to hear that”.
Thank you Mother Goose!
Leo Sangalang
Proud Dad of DREW
Mother Goose Lipa Class 2022
