Medelyn Paqueo, a 51 year-old TeachSTEM Master’s scholar, is a student, teacher, wife, and mother—all rolled into one. Pursuing a master’s degree later in life was something Medelyn never expected, especially since she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, majoring in Mathematics back in the 1990s—making her older than some of her current professors.
“When you get to school, your classmates feel more like your own children. But at the same time, they don’t treat me like a mom either—we’re still just classmates. Still, there’s this feeling of being too old, like, ‘I’m back in a school setting, studying again,’” Medelyn shares how she felt about being a student again.
Math makes her excited. It has been her favorite subject since high school, the one that she teaches in senior high, and the focus of her Master’s degree studies. “Math develops the logical and critical thinking of students,” she adds. “It’s one of the most essential tools for building the nation.” If it weren’t for TeachSTEM, Medelyn wouldn’t have been able to pursue her Master’s degree and deepen her understanding of math.
She shares this newfound understanding of math with her current students. One of Medelyn’s ways of giving back to her community is through a project called “Carculator,” which aims to bridge the gap in basic mathematics education among elementary students in her locality. The “Carculator” is a mobile math club that travels to different communities to help improve children’s performance in mathematics.
Educators can both teach students and pursue continuous learning at the same time. As advocates of lifelong learning, the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) provides TeachSTEM Scholarships to empower educators through a financial grant for their master’s studies, which is one less thing to worry about, given their teaching responsibilities and family commitments.
Medelyn’s passion for teaching mathematics and serving communities is just one of the many inspiring stories of GBF scholars which serves as the driving force behind the TeachSTEM Master’s Scholarship Program—empowering practicing educators with countless opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills in STEM education, regardless of age.
