As the pandemic continues to loom over the country, many Filipinos continue to struggle to make ends meet due to significant unemployment. Thankfully, some people have stepped up and lent a helping hand by starting community pantries and food outreach programs to help those in need.

51Talk is proud to recognize the 51Talk teachers who chose to share their blessings and help their communities despite these trying times. Teacher Aileen Arvie from Pangasinan and teacher Stacey Jerome, the PHBEE club captain of Bulacan Fire, share their story below.

Teacher Aileen Arvie

Coming from Lingayen, Pangasinan, teacher Aileen Arvie joined 51Talk to share her experience in teaching and learn more about teaching. She has been grateful for all the opportunities that 51Talk has been providing, but being able to manage her time has been the best reward since teaching on the platform.

During the start of the pandemic, teacher Aileen Arvie felt really worried about the situation and so many what-ifs came across her mind. However, she tried to be optimistic and continued teaching on the platform. Moreover, she directed her focus on providing quality and meaningful lessons to her students. Thankfully, since the pandemic started, she had more opportunities to schedule lessons, and it allowed her to provide for her family during uncertain times.

However, the opportunities didn’t stop there. Teacher Aileen Arvie didn’t expect to receive a promotion and be invited to join a special project with 51Talk. Because of the continuous blessings that she received despite the pandemic, she was inspired to give thanks by establishing a community pantry.  

She said, “51Talk is one of my biggest blessings. They allowed me to fulfill one of my dreams, which is to be able to give. I am 22 years old, and I never thought I could do this kind of activity at my age because I don’t even have much. But God taught me that anything is possible for Him if you TRUST him in everything that your heart desires.”

Teacher Aileen Arvie posted her community pantry on social media because she wanted to inspire other people to do small acts of kindness. She says that she will always be grateful and proud to teach on 51Talk.

For those who are still looking for opportunities, she says, “Never stop pursuing your dream. Always be humble in everything you do, and grab every opportunity that comes along your way. Grabbing opportunities is key to knowing our purpose in life. It is important to stop and reflect to know your purpose and passion. Always be grateful because there’s always an opportunity for us. However, it depends on us how we would take the opportunities in our life. So, don’t stop finding your purpose every day, and always value the opportunities given to us.”

PHBEE Club Bulacan Fire

Teacher Stacey Jerome, captain of the PHBEE club Bulacan Fire, joined 51Talk because of her love of kids and teaching. She also likes the fact that she can meet people from different cultures and that she has a flexible schedule. However, the best part of being a 51Talk teacher for her is the opportunity to spend more time with her family, especially during meal times, and teach in the comfort and safety of their home.

Since the pandemic started, her love for teaching grew, and her relationship with her team members has become more solid as time passed by. Teacher Stacey Jerome says that her team members do not only feel like friends but also like family.

Being one of the lucky people who can teach and earn at home despite the pandemic, the only thing that her team can do to give back the blessing is to share their blessings with others. That’s why the Bulacan Fire PHBEE Club decided to do outreach programs in their own little way.

So far, the team gave rice and canned goods to a neighborhood in Bulacan last November. They also conducted a teaching and feeding program last December in Maronquillo San Rafael, Bulacan.

For fellow Filipinos who are still seeking opportunities, teacher Stacey Jerome says, “Don't lose hope. There is something out there waiting for each of us. 51Talk is one of the platforms that you can try. Apply now and become one of us to enjoy the perks of earning a living, staying safe at home, enjoying scheduling flexibility, getting to meet different people from different cultures, and gaining a family within the 51Talk community.”

51Talk is truly proud of teacher Aileen Arvie and teacher Stacey Jerome’s kindness and compassion! For those who are looking for earning opportunities, 51Talk, the leading online English education platform in the Philippines, opens its doors to all educators and professionals who would like to earn in the comfort of their home. Sign up with 51Talk today to start teaching at home tomorrow!