Staff Profile: Patricia, FS2 Teaching Assistant

Staff Profile: Patricia, FS2 Teaching Assistant Each week we will feature a member of staff across all areas of the school including teachers, admin staff, support staff and more, to get to know members of our school family a little better. Our profile this week is Patricia, FS2 Teaching Assistant. Each week we will feature a member of staff across all areas of the school including teachers, admin staff, support staff and more, to get to know members of our school family a little better. Our profile this week is Patricia, FS2 Teaching Assistant.

My mum’s birthday is on the 20th of January. But why I am saying this? Her wish that her daughter could have the same birthday as her, but unfortunately this did not happen. I was born at 0:15am on the 21st of January, in a place called Balanga in the province of Bataan, Philippines. I grew up in a family of doctors, but my desire to teach led me on a different path. I also love reading and cycling while looking at the beauty of Abu Dhabi.

I graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies. This gave me a clearer understanding of the diverse culture of the world. I never thought that my college days would instill in my heart the love of my country and my countrymen. Studying as scholar served as a challenge, but also helped me to strive harder everyday to reach my dreams. I will never forget what my school days taught me, “that no man is an island and happiness is complete if you share it with someone".

When it was time to step out of the four corners of my University, I thought life would be easy. I was not aware that day would mark the beginning of my real journey. Philippine Airlines gave me an opportunity to work for them as a Logistics Analyst. After a year, I decided to try my luck in the UAE. It was tough and competition was fierce, but luckily I got the chance to work for Etihad Airways, and I gained the knowledge and confidence that I was looking for.

I am now working in my desired career and have been working as a teaching assistant at BIS Abu Dhabi for almost 5 years. This job always reminds me that each day is a new one. Every day I have many things to look forward to and those things make me realise that, “Hey! Life is beautiful!” 

Pat Magtibay, FS2 Teaching Assistant