Teacher Reflections

BECAUSE OF ITS DUAL INTENT, the H-1B visa is still the golden opportunity for anyone to access permanent residency in the U.S.   The road to securing the visa could be rough and tough. It takes work. It is the road less traveled.  Not EVERYONE will get in, that’s the TRUTH.  But you will never … Read more

Nothing is guaranteed in your US applications.   Even if you apply for jobs, it is not guaranteed that you will be chosen for interviews.     Even if you get to be interviewed, it is not guaranteed that you will be chosen and given a job offer.     Even if you have your visa … Read more

A famous Henry Ford quote, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right,” emphasizes how much attitude determines success or failure.   If being successful or winning matters to you, then do what you must do, wherever you are, with whatever you have.   If not, that’s OK too!    … Read more

Reality bites.   Let’s fully understand the situation:   Competition: Remember, you are not the only one vying for the position. You compete with all the other teachers (be it coming from an agency or independent, and not just Filipinos but teachers from all over the world) plus US citizens or residents! So, if you get … Read more

  Do not underestimate the power of 100% mental preparation. One day soon, the seeds you plant will take root and grow! Keep on doing the best you can.   Do not stop.   You will only get better and wiser in the process.   Keep the faith!        

For times when life seems to be off-track or spin too fast. or when your dreams seem to turn sour, pale, or blurry   Switch tracks   Give yourself a time-out   And do know that I got you!   And I am happy with the person you are becoming.     Love, God.   … Read more

Do you ever wonder why others have already achieved their dreams and not you yet?   The answer is you.   Your decisions, intentions, and actions are critical factors in achieving your heart’s desires.   So, WHAT DO YOU REALLY WANT?!     When you wholeheartedly know what you want, brace yourself for your journey … Read more

Growing up, my mom (may she rest in peace) would always tell me to work hard in silence. She omitted the part about letting success be my noise. I thought because she wanted me to value humility.   So ever since, if I have a goal or a dream, I’d allow no one to know … Read more

Meet Mr. & Mrs. T.   Jayson and Maricel came to the US together in 2018. After a year, they brought their three children to the US. They are in their 5th year in the J1 program.   Jayson holds the J1 visa, while Maricel is under the J2 visa. J2 visa holders can work … Read more

If you dream of changing your life for the BETTER, then FINISH the work you have started.   Don’t wait for the “just the right time!” – it will never come!   How can you SAVE the money you do not have (that’s… weird!)? Do what you must to make your dream happen, no ifs … Read more

Here’s a reminder to all who dream, aspire, and want. And yet (weirdly) make excuses about its fulfillment.     Questions to ponder: Is what you dream of, aspire to, or desire true? Do you want your goals bad enough? What do you “really” want?   Invariably, when you do not know what you “really” … Read more

If you dream of teaching in the US to help your family, Believe in prayer that you have already received it. And it will be yours!   And as you pray and believe, align your thoughts, words, and actions to the fulfillment of your dream.   To align means to be conscious – of your … Read more

Some teachers will start the conversation with, “Ma’am Gemma, I have no money, but I really want to teach in the US!”   Teachers, what you put your energy into is what you attract.   When you declare that you have no money – you are already LIMITING what’s possible. You already give power to … Read more

I applied to this agency in 2007 without knowing how much the agency charges. I didn’t even ask HOW MUCH!   I applied for a US job because I aspire to change my life – my children’s life, my husband’s!   So, I was interviewed. I got the job.   AND THEN, the agency asked … Read more

“I really, really want to teach in the US, but I have no money.”   What I hear:   I am poor. I have a dream. I have a dream, but I am poor, so my dream will remain a dream. I am poor, so I’ll set aside my dream. I am poor, and I … Read more

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. FB POST April 19, 2018   I am amazed by how God makes all things possible, in His perfect timing!   I … Read more

I have a friend who does NOT want to teach in the US. And no matter what motivation I try to do, it doesn’t push her.   Why?   I can only think of two things: First, she’s happy and has accepted her life as it is. Second, she sees no reason to teach in … Read more

There are days like today when I wonder if I didn’t heed the voice telling me to change my life. What if I didn’t listen to that voice that keeps telling me I have to run for my dreams?   Dennis, my husband, was a seaman* then, and although he received good money as one, … Read more

While browsing my contact forms, I saw an email from a particular HR Director asking if I could work in their state to bring in international teachers. I jumped to the opportunity at once and gave her a call. Unfortunately, she was out and left a message with the secretary.    After about an hour, … Read more

Doing the same things over and over is comforting and easy.   I am safe, sound, and in my little box.   True, it gets me nowhere. Nowhere I really, really, want to be!   And it is making me crazy!!!     I have three options: Stop dreaming. Stay where I am and ACCEPT … Read more