By Ma. Jonaper P. Palmares, GSP alumni.
Facing challenges is an inevitable part of any journey, and my path as a Global Schools Program (GSP) Advocate Alumni is no exception.
Recently, I encountered a significant hurdle: several teachers who participated in the Global Schools Workshop I conducted in 2022 will no longer be working at our school. This situation is disheartening, as it feels like the efforts I poured into becoming a GSP Advocate two years ago might be in vain.
However, I recalled a powerful strategy I shared with my colleagues this month: the Cookie Jar Method by David Goggins.
This method inspired me to organize the August 2024 Professional Development Sessions, which included another GSP Workshop and sessions on Understanding Maslow and Bloom. During tough times, I stay motivated by reflecting on my past triumphs, transformations, and adversities. One of my "cookies in the jar" is my experience as a Global Schools Advocate.
I revisited my files, re-read the lectures from the GSP WhatsApp Group, and reviewed the voice messages I transcribed and shared with my fellow advocates.
I also reviewed my past draft KPIs, which earned me the titles of Advocate of the Month and Mentor of the Month. Checking the WhatsApp Group of the GSP Advocate Alumni, I found inspiring stories of change from my fellow alumni and supportive posts from the GSP Education Team.
Reflecting on my subject projects and school-based activities from last year, I remembered the annual Business Studies Project under the Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 8, the Science Fair Project for Middle and High School, and the school's invitation to the 50th Tripoli International Fair. These experiences, along with continuing Acer's International Schools Assessment—the only school in Libya conducting this international exam for Grades 5-10—reinforced my commitment to spreading awareness of the SDGs.
Most importantly, I looked at old photos of my very first project in 2013: the United Nations (UN) Human Peace Sign promoting the MDGs. The smiles of my students reminded me of the purpose of teaching ESD—to inspire students to become proactive catalysts of change, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world.
My journey as a Global Schools Advocate Alumni has been like a rocky and bumpy road. Yet, with passion, resilience, and creativity as my fuel, the trip toward my destination becomes meaningful.
I may drive slowly, cherishing every view and route, but each experience along the way builds my capacity to become a champion of change. I believe that the school community will help me overcome the current challenge.
As I conclude this post with positivity, I extend my gratitude to the Global Schools Program for equipping me with the tools to become who I am today.
I am no longer just a teacher; I am an ESD advocate, international educator, mentor (recently accepted as a mentor for the Mastercard Foundation Associate Program in Africa), and an agent of change. May this post inspire my fellow alumni to stay actively involved because once an advocate, always an advocate.
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