ABOUT THE AUTHOR

At the tertiary level, I have continued to excel academically and professionally as I am a consistent Presidents’ Lister. My dedication to research led me to secure 3rd place in the College Research Forum as a research leader, and my participation in debates earned my team 4th place in the CVSU Foundation Week Debate Competition. I have also been recognized as the Best Demo Teacher in both World History 2 and Teaching Approaches in Secondary Social Studies, reflecting my growing expertise and confidence in the field of education.

Beyond academics, I am a family-oriented individual who values the support of my parents, Cheryl and Vergil Gulmatico. I am fluent in both Filipino and English, allowing me to communicate effectively in various educational settings. With a strong foundation in both academic and extracurricular pursuits, I am committed to becoming an educator who not only teaches but also inspires students to think critically and engage with history and society meaningfully. As I move forward in my career, I aim to contribute to the field of education by fostering a love for learning and shaping future generations into informed and responsible citizens.

I am Candyd Keith B. Gulmatico, 21, and a 4th-year student at Cavite State University - Main Campus, pursuing a degree in Social Studies Education under the College of Education-TED. Born on September 12, 2003, in Legazpi City, Albay. I have always been passionate about history, culture, and the social sciences. My academic journey has been marked by dedication and excellence, earning me various recognitions and awards throughout my studies. I aspire to become a Social Studies teacher, where I can help students develop a deeper understanding of historical events, societal changes, and global issues.

I completed my secondary education at Carmona National High School and my senior high school studies at Angelo L. Loyola Senior High School, where I graduated with high honors. During my early education, I actively participated in student journalism, winning awards in district, division, regional, and national press conferences. I also took on leadership roles, serving as Vice President of the MAPEH Club and Secretary of the Dance Club, which allowed me to develop my leadership and organizational skills. My consistent academic performance as with High Honors and extracurricular involvement have shaped me into a well-rounded individual prepared for a career in education.

ABOUT THE PAGE

The SEA-Teacher Project, also known as the “Pre-Service Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia,” is a program designed to offer pre-service student teachers from Southeast Asian universities the opportunity to gain teaching experience (practicum) in schools across different Southeast Asian countries.

Aligned with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization’s (SEAMEO) seven priority areas aimed at enhancing the quality of education in the region, this project supports the goal of “Revitalizing Teacher Education.” This priority emphasizes the development and empowerment of future educators to strengthen the teaching profession throughout Southeast Asia.

This blog serves as the official platform of Ms. Candyd Keith B. Gulmatico, showcasing her reflections, experiences, and insights gained throughout her participation in the SEA-Teacher Program.

Acknowledgement

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the individuals who have played an integral role in the success of my student teaching internship and the completion of this portfolio. Their unwavering support, encouragement, and guidance have been instrumental in shaping my journey as an aspiring educator. Their dedication to education and mentorship has not only contributed to my personal and professional growth but has also inspired me to pursue excellence in this noble profession.

First and foremost, I express my deepest appreciation to Dr. Ammie P. Ferrer, my student-teacher coordinator for SEATeacher and the esteemed Dean of the College of Education, for her invaluable wisdom, encouragement, and continuous support throughout this journey. Her commitment to fostering the success of the SEATeacher program and her unwavering belief in our potential as future educators have been a profound source of motivation.

I am also deeply grateful to Prof. Janelle P. Mendoza, our dedicated Student Teaching Coordinator, for her tireless efforts in overseeing our internship experience and ensuring that we gained meaningful learning opportunities.

My sincere thanks also to Dr. Liza Costa, Chairperson of the Teacher Education Department, whose dedication to our academic and professional development has been truly commendable.

My heartfelt gratitude extends to Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA) and the BKH Faculty of UNIPMA, particularly to Ibu Lestari, Ibu Tri, Ibu Brigita, Ibu Nurul, Ibu Rosita, Ibu Dewi, and Bapak Rizqi, for their warm hospitality and generosity. Their kindness and willingness to share their culture enriched our experience as SEATeachers in Indonesia, making our time in Madiun City truly unforgettable.

I am also incredibly thankful to Mr. Rufriel Mesa and Bapak Pramujo Budiarto, Principals of Cavite State University – Laboratory Science High School and SMA Negeri (SMAN) 2 Madiun, along with their faculty and staff, for their unwavering support and guidance throughout our teaching experience. Their leadership and encouragement have provided us with an enriching learning environment that has helped refine our teaching abilities.

I am especially grateful to my cooperating teachers, Ms. Anna Katrina B. Barrameda, Ms. Guiala P. Delos Angeles, and Ibu Nanin Kusuma, for their mentorship, patience, and expertise. Their invaluable insights and constructive feedback have been essential in shaping my instructional strategies and strengthening my pedagogical skills.

To Eva, Abid, Agis, and Rama—Our buddies in UNIPMA, terima kasi banyak for everything you’ve done for us during our stay in Madiun. You are all our forever friends; we are so grateful to meet you all. This experience became a beginning of a lifelong friendship for us.

To Jas and Xy, my fellow SEATeachers in UNIPMA, Indonesia, I am immensely thankful for the bond we have formed throughout this journey. Though our time in Madiun City lasted only a month, our friendship has grown beyond borders and made my stay in Indonesia closer to home.

I am also grateful to my fellow student interns at CVSU LSHS—Freyman, Asher, Alliyah, Krizzia Joy, Krizzia Nina, Julianna, Rhea Mae, Edrian, Angelica, and Daniela—for their camaraderie and support, which made this internship an even more enriching experience.

To my parents, Cheryl B. Gulmatico and Vergil M. Gulmatico, I am forever indebted to you for your unwavering love, encouragement, and sacrifices that have made this journey possible. Your belief in my potential has been my greatest source of strength.

To my siblings and friends, thank you for always being there, offering support, and cheering me on through the challenges.

Above all, I am profoundly grateful to the Almighty God for granting me the strength, wisdom, and perseverance to navigate this path. His guidance has been my anchor in times of difficulty and my source of inspiration in moments of triumph.

To each and every one of you, I dedicate this work with the deepest appreciation and gratitude. Your kindness, mentorship, and unwavering support have left an indelible mark on my journey. As I continue to grow as an educator, I carry with me the lessons, experiences, and cherished memories from this chapter of my life, with the hope of paying forward the knowledge and inspiration I have received.