"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." – William Butler Yeats
We close ASEAN Month with the inspiring story of Alvin Bintang Miza Come Reba, a 4th-year student from Soegijapranata Catholic University-Indonesia whose passion for teaching led him to the University of St. La Salle as classroom observer under the College of Education.
Coming from East Indonesia, Alvin carries with him a diverse heritage. His father, a Papuan, is direct, and strong-willed, while his mother, a Javanese, is gentle and soft-spoken. Growing up with these contrasting cultural influences taught Alvin the importance of awareness and sensitivity.
Currently, Alvin is pursuing a double major in English Education and Economics, an uncommon choice for many but one that reflects his true calling.
As part of his English Education curriculum, he was required to complete community service both in Indonesia and abroad.
He began in his hometown, helping children learn to read and write, and soon discovered that teaching was not just a task but a passion embedded in his life. His journey later took him to Thailand, where he spent several months guiding students in improving their English skills.
That same passion eventually brought him to Bacolod through a partnership between his home university and USLS. Choosing Bacolod for his classroom observation was both an academic milestone and a personal turning point.
Alvin shared, “In other countries, language was a barrier. But here, everyone knows how to speak English.” He also noted the cultural and societal similarities between Indonesia and the Philippines, even laughing at how often he is mistaken for a local because of his complexion.
As part of his classroom observation under the College of Education, Alvin is teaching English to grade school students in the Basic Education Unit. Though his stay will only last a month, he has found the experience deeply meaningful. Adjusting to teaching a new group of learners came naturally to him, making his short time at the University both smooth and fulfilling.
For Alvin, his Lasallian journey is a chapter filled with kindness, openness, and discovery, an unforgettable experience that he will carry with him into his future as an educator.
.jpg)