A tribute to a teacher who made a difference

Before I leave, I would like to tell you something. Before Atty. Rolando Dela Cruz became a lawyer, always remember that he was an A.B. English graduate, and also had a minor in Philosophy. In the whole College of Human Sciences, only two courses matters, Philosophy and English. The greatest contribution of English is ARTICULATION, for without it, Humanity ceases to exist. What other course can give you the beauty of life? What other course can give you the beauty of poetry and of Shakespeare? None. So be proud to be an AB English major. And always remember that Atty. Rolando Dela Cruz is a proud graduate of A.B. English.

- Atty. Rolando Dela Cruz
A.B. English Graduate

Thank you, Victor, for posting the quote of Atty. Dela Cruz (The greatest contribution of English is ARTICULATION, for without it, Humanity ceases to exist.) I just added the other quotes that he said the last time we saw him inside the 4 walls of our classroom. Again, thank you.

Atty. Dela Cruz was one of the most brilliant minds that set foot in Saint Louis University. He served as a teacher for a quite number of years. And even though he had a very valid excuse not to attend his classes, he still went and gave all the best he could.

Why?

Because he want to prove something. And because of his attitude, I came to admire him. Yes, it is true that he had a very intimidating personality because of his vast knowledge about the subjects he taught, but he brought out the best in every one of his students. And whoever claims that he never learned a thing from Atty. Dela Cruz, must be executed on the spot. But hey, who am I to tell that? Maybe this stupid person was busy wetting of his pants because he is afraid to recite in one of Atty. Dela Cruz.

The last day of our regular classes in English 14 (Parliamentary Procedures), he shared his own quote that made me appreciate my course before leaving the classroom. This was after the whole class witness him struggle to catch his breath for about half-hour. He sat there in front of the class, at the teacher's table, with his hands cradling his forehead. The class was not aware that he was dying, that his cancer was already terminal and he was only counting the days, one at a time. But still, he came into our class every single meeting, and gave all what he has with a smile. When I came to know that his number of days was dwindling but still went to our class, and my admiration for him as a role model for instructors and teachers grew into an unimagined proportion. I am a type of person that is not easily impressed, but I was impressed and still impressed on his dedication to his chosen profession.

I plan to be an educator someday. I would like to share the passion of Atty. Dela Cruz whenever he teaches literature to his students, whenever he shares his knowledge about politics and about how to be a good parliamentarian. I will never be as good or as dedicated like him, but I will do my best to make the younger generations to love the beauty of literature.

And to Atty. Rolando Dela Cruz, may your soul now rest in peace. Thank you for sharing to us the reason why we should be proud to be AB English Major students. You really made a positive difference in our lives...