University News

This #PassionWednesday, we focus on the professional journey of Mary Grace Irene Fernandez Yulo, known as "Teacher Irene." Her passion for early childhood education has been the cornerstone of her three-decade career at USLS Bacolod.

Starting as a psychology graduate, Teacher Irene shifted from counseling to teaching with a clear focus on guiding young learners through their formative years. The decision to move into preschool education stemmed from a deep desire to influence children at a critical stage in their development. She embraced the challenges of the role and honed her skills in meeting the unique needs of each student.

Teacher Irene’s commitment to education is rooted in her belief that every child’s early experiences in learning are foundational. Her passion has driven her to continuously improve her teaching methods and adapt to the evolving needs of her students. With steadfast dedication to the profession, she has become a role model for her colleagues and an inspiring figure for the students she serves. Throughout every generation in her teaching journey, she has continuously set the Lasallian standard for preschool education. She remains in the hearts and minds of her former students for many years.

Despite her attempts to pursue other careers, such as those within the corporate world, there were always factors that blocked her from continuing. Teacher Irene believed that returning to USLS to teach preschoolers was the plan that God destined her to accomplish. Even when other opportunities were at her disposal, everything had fallen smoothly into place when it came to her becoming a preschool teacher here in La Salle Bacolod.

“Listening and praying, with strong prayers, the Lord will always guide you to the right path,” Teacher Irene shared, showcasing her fervent faith in God and her belief that the right path for her was her place at USLS.

She confessed that there was always a constant presence of setbacks and hurdles in her teaching journey, but these circumstances helped her grow and taught her much about the uniqueness of each child she handled. Every child has a set of needs that differs from another, and through that principle and many prayers, she has become the cherishing educator she is today.

The combination of faith and devotion, with the students themselves being the instruments of her passion, has allowed her to be devoted to her life of teaching. Her journey is marked by a commitment to excellence in education, driven by a clear passion for making a lasting impact on the lives of her students.