Ohh! Crisis What did I do wrong? When Duty Calls: Balancing Roles and Responsibilities

Hello Hivers,

It’s me again, and I’d like to share a glimpse of my day as a teacher. Since it’s summer class, our main focus is on improving students’ reading skills, preparing them to read more fluently when the new school year begins. As teachers, we play the role of guides in the classroom.
Personally, I find teaching struggling readers incredibly fulfilling, and I always put in my best effort to help them improve.
However, today I want to share a challenge I faced recently as a class adviser.

Last March 31, 2025, I was unable to attend school as I had to participate in a Division Congress in my role as District Research Coordinator.My name was included in the division memorandum at that time. A substitute teacher took over my class during my absence. Unfortunately, an incident occurred involving one of my students. The student was playing with classmates when an accident happened, and his hand got twisted. The substitute teacher informed me immediately and attempted to contact the parents. I also tried to get in touch with the parents despite the poor internet connection at the Congress venue.

Even while I was attending the Congress, my thoughts were with the child, wondering, “How is he doing now?” I couldn’t communicate effectively at that time, but as soon as I returned home, I reached out to the substitute teacher via video call. I learned that the child’s father refused to take him to the hospital, insisting that the hand had already been massaged (“gipahilot”).

As an adviser, I was shocked. How could they skip a medical check-up for such an injury? Despite their refusal, I kept following up, suggesting an X-ray just to rule out any fractures. The parents assured me the child’s hand was moving fine and seemed okay.

The child attended our recognition ceremony, and we even took photos together. I will not put the photos served as the privacy of the child..I asked the mother again if they had gone for an X-ray, but she said the hand was almost healed. I respected their decision since they are the parents.

More than a month later, I received a message from the mother. She told me that, after finally getting an X-ray, they discovered the child’s bone had a fracture. I couldn’t help but think, “I told you so.” But instead of scolding the mother for their initial decision, I simply listened to her concerns.

To my surprise, the parents began threatening me, implying I could be held accountable and even demanded compensation. It felt unfair because I had done everything I could to address the situation, including reminding them multiple times to seek proper medical attention. Now, they are even considering bringing the matter to the barangay for mediation and for me it's okay because I know I wasn’t even there when it happened, so it didn’t involve me.

I remain calm and told them, “It’s better to settle this properly.” I hope tomorrow’s barangay meeting will lead to a resolution in a peaceful manner. I was very sad because the substitute teacher didn’t care about what happened and wasn’t concerned at all.

Dealing with this situation has been stressful, so I turned to food for comfort! I had lunch at KFC, I accompanied my daughter to a tailor for her school uniform, and later enjoyed dinner at Greenwich. Food seems to be my therapy these days!hahaha

Thank you for reading my sentiments.

Love lots,
@gracefulwrites

(Note: all photos owned by @gracefulwrites and edited by CANVA)