I think I owe a former student an apology for jokingly saying a few minutes ago that she’s being corny when she shook my hand and said “This may sound a bit awkward, but I want to say thank you for the last semester.”

Looking back, there’s nothing “corny” or “awkward” about complimenting someone. Of course, I have to admit that the compliment comes as a bit of a surprise given my reputation as a strict teacher.

To the concerned former student: If you’re reading this, I hope you don’t think that I’m trivializing your gesture which I appreciate very much.

It’s also good to know that, once in a while, there are complete strangers who send feedback about the usefulness of the information I post on my website (including this blog).

A Bukidnon-based high school teacher who asked me for some references he could use in his task as a school paper adviser writes:

Your website is so helpful to public school teachers like me.

On the other hand, a Laguna-based young man writes (slightly edited for brevity):

I am one of the avid readers of your Pinoy Weekly column and I like it very much. Your opinions are very substantial. I learn a lot from it. Your profound and comprehensive analyses have awakened my deep-seated perception in our dying and corrupt government. I hope that you will continue supporting and contributing to this weekly tabloid and give more radical information to our broad masses.

Our friend from Laguna was a bit ecstatic when I gave him a short reply to say thank you. According to him, he never expected to hear from me whom he holds “with high regard.”

Well, thank you again for the kind words, sir. Rest assured that I will continue to write about issues that matter, if only not to fail your expectations.