teaching with a destiny

By Kayla P

From living in the Philippines to moving to a brand new continent was a change in Rosemarie Calma’s life.

Calma had done all her education in the Philippines and had came to the states back in 2016, not too long ago.

Yerba Buena teacher Dr. Calma came to Yerba Buena with a destiny. She had received a call one day and out of all the other school applications, she decided to try her luck here as a new biology teacher.

They call her Dr. Calma since she has a PhD and was a college teacher for most of her teaching career. Calma majored in biology at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. She also attended for her undergrad and for her bachelor of science in education. Then got her masters at the De La Salle University in the Philippines.

After graduating, Calma returned the favor to the colleges and became a professor. For most of her teaching career, she was actually a college professor teaching undergrad students who wanted more for their education.

Currently, Calma is a happy and proud biology teacher at Yerba Buena High School. But why YB?

Calma: “I don’t know, it’s destiny. Because I applied from different schools and it was July when they called me. Actually, I didn’t even recognize the school and I even asked them, like, ’what school is this?’ And they’re like ’it’s Yerba Buena.’ ’Can you spell it for me?’ Because I sent a lot of applications and then when they told me it’s Yerba Buena, so where is that? To make the long story story, I tried my luck here.”

She actually lives an hour away from the school but that doesn’t really bother Calma.

Calma: “It’s worth it for now. Honestly, because I’m carpooling with my husband and sometimes I’m thinking of ’what if I change the school next year?’ It’s part of the option. As of now, I feel at home with YB.”

Calma has a calling for teaching when it comes to teaching.

Her favorite moment of being a teacher is watching her students being engaged with what they’re learning and seeing them want to learn more.

She wants to show students that no obstacles can get in the way of their education and success. She inspires and tells her students they can do anything if they are dedicated and determined even with the hardships.

Calma: “My personal goal is to share my expertise with students so that I can inspire them. Being a poor student isn’t an endurance for success. Like, if you don’t have money for education, it’s not the only reason for you not to get the higher education.”