It was unfair not to have me take the test nor interview me, then expect me to be my friend’s clone. It was my firm belief until Mr. Kusano proved me wrong. I could have perfected a test or been very impressive in the interview, but it would not amount to anything if I could not interview resource people, ask the right questions, gather facts, write, and meet deadlines. I learned relentless reporting, and became the first woman member of the Defense Press Corps (of the Department of National Defense).

As I watched him work, I learned to be aggressive, persevering, and alert at all times “because stories do not knock on your door,” he said. I pursued every story which taught me a great deal of patience in the process. Trained as I was, I then found myself here in Japan patiently persevered - with English schools turning me down one after another - until I was finally hired as English teacher.

My family came to Japan in 1994. I cannot work as a journalist since I cannot speak Japanese fluently, much less read and write it. English newspapers are scarce in Japan, even in the big urban areas. Why not teach English then? But it was a lot easier said than done. I could not even get to first base of employment. Owners of English schools, cram schools, and the like did not want to hire me because I am not a native speaker of English. Phones were hung up on me once they knew I am a Filipino. But rejection has long become my middle name. It makes me most courageous and determined in its face.

Yes. It was the other way around with Mr. Kusano because he hired me straightaway……to be tortured. Came Monday, my first day of work. “I’m a reporter.” It sounded so cool, intellectual, and intimidating. But to my utter shock and dismay, I was nobody. In my face, Mr. Kusano crumpled my articles one by one and trashed them! That painful rejection was even preceded by reading seven newspapers cover to cover. I burned the candle at both ends writing those condemned articles. However, each and every day for a month, the number of my rejected articles was lessened. I realized that I was being trained to always get back on my feet each time I fall and be patient to reach my goal.

To this day, I still remember him, my mentor, who unselfishly helped and guided my journalistic development and improvement. I may have perceived him as a workaholic “who had a fridge in his belly” - because he could stand without eating for hours until he finished writing his articles - and a slave driver at times. But when I began working here, I saw many more Mr. Kusanos! Japanese work ethics and culture are uniquely and admirably different, but I was prepared for them in a way.

I am an English teacher now. Classroom teaching entails me standing for hours. Preparing for my classes has turned my home into an office extension for lesson plan and teaching aids making. I have always exercised utmost patience in teaching and dealing with my students, especially the absolute beginners, in the same way that Mr. Kusano had been very patient with me (save in the case of trashing my poorly written articles).

To be a great teacher, in many ways, is very similar to what I accomplished as a reporter. Following in my mentor’s footsteps, I must always be prepared mentally, physically, and emotionally. I always strive to be a conscientious teacher armed with enough knowledge coupled with an engaging personality that can hold my students’ attention whenever I face them. Mr. Kusano learned a lot about the Philippines before he assumed post in Manila. He would never be caught dead without his pen, notebook, camera, tape recorder, and reporter’s I.D. He always observed people and circumstances keenly but did not jump to conclusions without double checking and confirming facts. I loved these qualities of him which I have emulated ever since.

Okay. He was not that all strict-formidable-disciplinarian boss. In fact, he was only like that in the beginning. Perhaps because he sensed a defiant me? But when I learned the ropes, took on more challenging jobs, and delivered? We started eating on time, singing at karaoke bars - Japanese reporters loved to gather together, eat, drink, and sing after a hard day’s work - and……

working more, and more, and much more.