31/12/2025
My 2025 as a Preschool Owner and Manager of Play & Learn
When I look back on 2025, I see a year shaped by resilience, faith, and love — especially the love I have for my children, Vinz and Val. They are my constant reminders of why I continue to pour my heart into Play & Learn. Vinz, my 18-year-old child on the autism spectrum, teaches me every day about patience, acceptance, and silent courage. And Val, with a different kind of strength and sensitivity, reminds me of the importance of guidance, protection, and hope for the future. Together, they are the reason I dream of a school where every child is understood and supported.
Each morning at Play & Learn began with laughter, hesitant goodbyes, and curious questions. Behind those simple moments were long hours of planning, guiding teachers, meeting parents, solving problems, and making sure every child felt safe and valued. Being both owner and manager meant carrying the trust of many families — and I carried that trust carefully, because I know personally what it means to pray for the best path for your child.
This year challenged us deeply. The typhoon and the earthquake forced repeated class suspensions, breaking routines that children depend on. Some returned anxious. Others struggled to adjust. As a leader, I had to place safety first while gently rebuilding learning rhythms. We slowed down, reassured them, and focused on emotional security before academics. Those moments reminded me that true education begins with comfort, connection, and calm.
In quiet moments, I often thought of Vinz. His journey has shown me that growth looks different for every child — and that progress, no matter how small, is something holy. Because of him, I strive to make Play & Learn a place where children with unique needs are welcomed without judgment. Val, on the other hand, inspires me in another way: to think about balance, boundaries, and the kind of world I want children to grow up in — one filled with kindness, opportunities, and faith. My motherhood shapes my leadership; my children shape my mission.
My teachers walked beside me through every challenge. They rewrote plans, comforted frightened students, and continued showing up with heart despite their own worries. Leading them meant listening, encouraging, and reminding them that their work changes lives. Our parents also remained supportive — asking questions, seeking reassurance, and trusting us through uncertainty. Their trust humbled me and strengthened my resolve.
And the children — they came back after every suspension with surprising courage. They learned again to share, play, write, and try. Every small success felt like proof that resilience lives even in the smallest hearts.
Spiritually, 2025 drew me closer to God. I prayed about decisions, finances, safety, and the emotional weight I sometimes carried. And in quiet ways, God answered — through unexpected help, renewed strength, and peace in moments I needed it most.
If I could describe 2025 at Play & Learn, I would call it a year of resilience, purpose, and love. It reminded me that my work is not just about running a school — it is about building a place where children feel seen, families feel supported, and teachers feel valued. And at the center of it all are Vinz and Val, whose lives inspire every dream I hold for this school.
As I move forward, I carry gratitude — for our families, our teachers, our students, and for my children who continue to give meaning to everything I do. The journey is not always easy, but it is deeply worth it. With faith and love, I’m ready for whatever comes next.
