24/09/2024
FEATURE | The Scarecrow in the Field: The Story of Ma'am LAD
Stories about one particular teacher have been whispered for years in the quiet halls of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines- Maragondon Campus (PUP-MC). Students, wide-eyed and nervous, would mention her name with a hint of fear: Maโam LAD.
For many, Laura A. De Leon, or "Ma'am LAD" as she is widely known, was a figure of sternnessโlike a scarecrow standing tall in a field, warding off the brave and curious.
But what lies behind this mysterious figure?
Ma'am LAD, now 75 years old with three children of her own, never dreamed of being a teacher. In fact, her aspirations leaned toward agriculture as she dreamed of becoming an agriculturist at University of the Philippines- Los Baรฑos (UPLB) or accountancy at Far Eastern University (FEU).
It wasnโt the calling of the classroom that beckoned her initially, it was homesickness that ultimately led her to the world of education. As an only child, she sought comfort closer to home and found herself on the path of teaching, a profession that would soon transform her life in unexpected ways.
Her teaching career began in 1969, a time of great change in the world. And for Ma'am LAD, that transformation was deeply personal. She often reflected on the teachers who had inspired her during her own education. She learned from their examples and added her own unique spin, developing teaching strategies that would engage her students in profound ways.
Yet, her journey to PUP was a twist of fate, much like the beginning of a captivating novel. Ma'am LAD recalled that she had no intention of teaching at the university. But one fateful day in 1990, while running a simple errand to pick up a card, she was stopped by someone who suggested she apply. Moments later, she was giving an impromptu teaching demonstration to some influential figures at the university. A year after that, she became a part-timer, then an administrative officer, and later, a guidance counselor. In every role, Ma'am LAD proved herself to be versatile, adapting like a rubber band to every position and subject she was given.
"Napadaan lang talaga ako nung time na kukuha ako ng card tapos tinanong ako bakit hindi ako magturo sa PUP? That time nagtuturo pa ako sa Western, tapos ayun bigla akong pinag demo teaching on the spot," she said.
Despite her many successes, Ma'am LAD carried a stigmaโa burden placed on her by the very students she sought to inspire. Stories circulated about her strictness, her approach, and her reputation as a "terror" teacher. Before even stepping into her classroom, many students viewed her as a figure to be feared, much like a scarecrow standing in a field, seemingly lifeless and imposing.
"Sa una ay parang negative ang tingin sa akin ng mga estudyante. Merong stigma na naka-attach sa estudyante. Kaya sinasabi ko nga sa kanila huwag sana akong gagamitin at katakutan hindi naman ako scarecrow. Parang military life kasi iyan na kapag natakot sila gusto nila matakot din yung susunod na hahawakan ko, pero after naman sig**o ng mga second week ay wala na."
But, as with any good story, thereโs always more beneath the surface.
In reality, Ma'am LAD was far from the terrifying figure students had imagined. While she commanded respect and upheld high standards, she was also a compassionate mentor, a friend, and even a "fairy godmother" to her students, guiding them through the maze of academic life. Over time, those who once saw her as an intimidating scarecrow came to realize that her stern exterior masked a deeply caring heart. She wasn't there to frighten or control but to protect and nurture the growth of her students, much like how a scarecrow guards a field to ensure a bountiful harvest.
"Kaya ko sinasabi ang mga napupuna ko kasi mahal ko kayo, ayoko kayong pagtatawanan o pag-uusapan ng iba. Although may mga case na mababa ang nakukuha sa akin na marka ng estudyante pero ibinibigay ko 'yung corresponding grades nag a-adjust ako. Naaawa kasi ako sa mga magulang at ayaw kong makasira sa honor," Maโam Lad stated.
In her years of service, Ma'am LAD's greatest lesson to her students wasnโt found in textbooks or examsโit was in her ability to impart values, foster critical thinking, and model high moral character. She believed that a teacherโs role extended far beyond the curriculum. A true educator, in her eyes, shaped not only the mind but also the heart and soul.
"Syempre teacher yan e, kailangan andun yung values kasi importante iyan. Kaya nga good moral character, hindi lang good kundi high panga ang ni re-require jan. Kasi sya ang magiging example at tsaka dapat alam nya yung ibat-ibang strategies at ang mastery ng subject dito papasok 'yung hindi ka dapat nagbabasa."
As she reflects on her journey, flipping through old photos, rereading letters from former students, and reminiscing about the years she spent in PUP, there are moments when a tear slips quietly down her cheek. Her hope is for a graceful exit from the profession she never intended to pursue, but which became her lifeโs work. In her dreams, she leaves behind a legacy of memories that students will cherish forever.
"Nalulungkot din ako na kapag nakikita ko ang pictures at letters galing sa aking mga estudyante. Nami-miss ko din ang school, 'yung mga kasama namin doon. Tsaka 'yung mga estudyante yung kapag ako'y nahihirapan minsan, nasasabi ko nalang na naku! Naaalala ko ang mga nasa PUP hindi ako nahihirapan doon nag su-supplement pa sila," she added.
Ma'am LADโs story is not one of fear but of transformation. Like a scarecrow, she stood tall in the field, misunderstood by those who didnโt yet know her. But as the birds in the field eventually grow accustomed to the scarecrowโs presence, so too did her students come to see Ma'am LAD for who she truly wasโan outstanding educator standing firm in her field, not to scare, but to guide them toward their own futures.
"Basta kung ano 'yung natutunan dapat i-relate sa buhay 'yung values huwag alisin lalo na sa mga education students. Gamitin 'yung code of ethics kahit saan hindi lang sa school ia-apply, kung pwede nga e kahit lalabas lang or pupunta sa mall. Iyang passion hindi dapat mawala kaya huwag dadaing na nakakapagod o di kaya'y nakakasawa, kasi kapag ganoon wala na yung commitment at mararamdaman mo yung pagod tapos mahihirapan ka at hindi ka magiging masaya," an inspirational message from Ma'am LAD.
The scarecrow in the field, after all, is a symbol of protection and care. And that, perhaps, is the perfect metaphor for Ma'am LADโs enduring legacy.
_______________________________
September 5 - October 5 is ๐ก๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐' ๐ ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ต. Professor Laura A. De Leon, commonly known as "Ma'am Lad", is an inspiring figure in the field of education for the PUP-MC Community. After dedicating many years to teaching at PUP-MC, Ma'am Lad retired at the age of 75. Through this article, we honor her years of service to the campus.
After all, the influence of a good educator can never be erased.
_______________________________
by Camille Silvestre
Photo by Sophia Lorriel Estioco
Layout by Daniela Marie Bello
