Being called to teach: Shaping minds and changing lives, one student at a time

MANILA, Philippines — One of the toughest choices parents make is where to send their children to school. Over the last three decades, MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) in Taguig has been top of the list among a growing number of parents who place a premium on quality education that promote Christian values and celebrate Asian heritage.

Much of the credit for the school’s continuing success goes to its principal from day one, Helen Kwong Villanueva. From a young age, Villanueva had the thirst for learning and the love for teaching, thanks in large part to being around great teachers, until she herself has inspired a whole community of students, friends and family to embrace the same passion.

As she continued to rise the ranks in her education career, first as guidance counsellor, then teacher, then principal and now school director, Villanueva’s joy in engaging with students remains steadfast, which is why she continues to be found in the school room, knowing the names of every student in MGCNLCA.

Did you always want to become a teacher?

When I was little, I loved playing “teacher-teacher.” My younger sisters were my students, and I was all in — blackboards, chalk and even record books to write down grades. But as I got older, reality hit. I realized teaching didn’t exactly promise big pay checks, so I considered studying business or commerce.

Everything changed during a summer students’ camp when I was 15. So I went to the University of Santo Tomas and studied Education. I also took up Christian Education at the Asian Theological Seminary. And when I became principal at MGCNLCA, I knew I needed to keep learning, so I enrolled in Educational Administration at the University of the Philippines. It’s been quite the journey, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

Were your parents supportive of you becoming a teacher considering it is seen as a low paying profession?

At first, I know my parents were a little frustrated with my decision. We had this small printing press business, and they were hoping I’d step in and help out. What really meant a lot to me was that my dad, before he passed, told me how proud he was to be the father of a teacher. And my mom? She’s been a rock. Always supportive, always there at school events, cheering me on no matter what.

Then, my sister Jute felt the same calling. She became a guidance counsellor and later a teacher. My second sibling, Bendz, joined in too, teaching Chinese. And it’s not just the immediate family because two of my sisters-in-law, Elisa and Felina, ended up teaching Chinese as well. And of course, my husband is in it too and most recently, my daughter. Honestly, it’s like a family affair now.

I can’t even begin to express how proud I am when I hear my daughter’s students telling her, “You’re my favorite teacher.” Seeing her students value her in that way just fills my heart with gratitude. As educators, we’re making a difference in the lives of our students, just as others did for us.

You started as a guidance counsellor. Was this the open position at that time so you had to settle for it? Or was it a planned slight detour?

I majored in Guidance and Counselling. And I went back to where it all started, my alma mater which is St. Stephen’s High School. It felt like a full-circle moment. That’s where I really grew as a Christian, where I learned what it meant to be a leader. Going back wasn’t just about teaching; it was my way of giving back, of serving in the place that helped shape me.

As a counsellor, I love seeing people shift their perspective — it’s so rewarding! Watching them tackle problems and grow through it is honestly amazing. It’s just cool to be part of someone’s journey and see the changes firsthand.

Shortly after, you took on a teaching role as well. What were your early learnings as a teacher? Was the experience different from what you expected? If yes, in what ways, both good and not so good?

My first experience as a high school teacher was a total eye-opener. I remember stepping into the classroom for the first time and thinking, “Okay, I’ve got this. I know my stuff.” But the reality hit fast! You think you’re prepared, but then there’s this whole other layer of dealing with the personalities, the moods, the challenges each student brings.

One of my biggest learnings was that teaching isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about understanding your students. Some days, they’re quiet and focused, and other days, you can tell they’re dealing with stuff that has nothing to do with the lesson. As a teacher, I had to learn how to read the room, adjust on the fly and really connect with them on a personal level. It wasn’t all about the curriculum; it was about showing up for them, making them feel seen and guiding them through their challenges.

From your first job, you took on a much bigger challenge as principal of MGC New Life Christian Academy. How did this come about?

We started the school back in 1991, and let me tell you, it was a challenge. We really felt God calling us to open a Christian school, but not just any Christian school, we wanted to do it in the truest sense of the word. That meant hiring Christian teachers, no compromises. It wasn’t just a job or a business; it was a calling.

At that time, I had my Master’s degree, so I was technically qualified to be a principal. But honestly, I didn’t feel ready. I didn’t feel like I had it all together or knew exactly what I was doing. I felt so inadequate. But here’s the thing, when God calls you, you just have to step out in faith and obey. We took that leap of faith, and it’s been history from there. I was promoted to be the school director in 2023. There have definitely been challenges along the way, but looking back, I can see how God has been faithful every step of the journey.

On top of your many responsibilities, you are also still teaching. Can you share why?

Honestly, it’s where I feel most alive. There’s something about being in the classroom, right in the middle of all the action, that just energizes me. It’s where you can truly connect with the students, not just on an academic level, but on a personal one. It’s in those moments where you share life with them, listen to their stories and walk with them through their struggles, that I find the most fulfilment.

Teaching helps me understand my own teachers better too. Being on the other side of the desk gives me a deeper appreciation for the challenges they face, how hard it is to manage a classroom, to meet the needs of every student, to keep the energy up and to keep giving, even when you’re drained. Teaching isn’t just about sharing information; it’s about building relationships, inspiring trust and helping students grow in ways they don’t even realize they’re growing.

How many new students does MGCNLCA take in every year? The talk among parents with school-age children is that it is very competitive with very limited slots.

Every year, we can only accommodate more or less 130 new students across all levels. The reality is that we’re limited by physical space, and it’s always tough having to turn families away.

When we assess applicants, we use a comprehensive tool that helps us evaluate students from different angles. We’re not just looking at their academic performance. We want to make sure they’re academically ready for the challenges ahead, but we also focus on their mental and social readiness.

For us, it’s about finding students who will thrive in our environment, so we consider things like how well they interact with others, their emotional maturity, and their ability to adapt to new situations. We look for kids who are not only ready to learn but also ready to grow in a supportive, community-focused setting. We value students who show a willingness to engage, collaborate and build positive relationships with both peers and teachers.

The global pandemic was an unprecedented crisis on so many fronts, including education. How did you and the school cope during the years of lockdown, and the years since the world opened up again?

I’ll be honest, we weren’t tech-savvy at first. But we learned, we navigated, and we got through it together. There were endless meetings with my team, troubleshooting, brainstorming and just leaning on God in prayer. We all knew we couldn’t do it alone, so we really relied on each other and on His guidance. We were determined to bring our children to the other side of this crisis, no matter how hard it seemed.

When the world started to open up again, we didn’t hesitate. We bravely opened our doors in January 2022, one of the first schools to do so. Why? Because we knew we had to be there for our children. The pandemic had taken a toll on them, and we knew the longer they stayed isolated, the more it would affect their growth.

Can you share some advice for those aspiring to be educators?

There are three pieces of advice that I hold dear and would love to share.

First, understand the calling of God. Teaching is not just a career; it’s a calling. When you step into the classroom, you’re not just imparting knowledge, you’re shaping hearts and lives. It’s a sacred responsibility. It’s not always easy, and there will be days when you feel overwhelmed or discouraged, but when you know you’re following God’s call, you’ll find the strength to push through.

Second, love your students. If you want to be an effective teacher, you have to love your students. Passion in teaching comes from caring deeply about your students’ well-being, their growth, and their success, not just academically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. It’s this genuine love that helps you connect with them, that builds trust, and that makes them feel safe and supported. When your students know you care about them, they’re more likely to open up, to listen and to give their best.

Third, strive to be your best. Excellence is not about being perfect, it’s about doing your very best in everything you do. As educators, we should always aim for excellence because our students deserve nothing less. It’s about being diligent, being intentional, and constantly improving, not just in your subject matter, but in the way you interact with students, the way you handle challenges and the way you carry yourself as a role model. And when you aim for excellence, you inspire your students to do the same. They learn that excellence isn’t just about grades; it’s about effort, attitude and integrity. Excellence is a habit, not a destination, and it’s something we should always strive for, because the impact we have on our students will last far beyond the classroom.

Teaching is one of the most powerful ways to make a lasting difference in the world. It isn’t just about knowledge, it’s about love, patience and being a light to others.