Riza Fortuna

I am a grateful daughter of God. Three of several reasons why I am grateful are: I have always been protected, privileged, and a pedagogue.

First, I am grateful because I have always been PROTECTED. Several times I would have died already had it not been for God’s hand protecting and saving me. Born a pre-mature baby short of 8 months, I was only four pounds and the size of a family size bottle of Coca Cola. I was incubated and came out to be a very sickly child. One of the most difficult times for my family was when I experienced Typhoid Fever at age two and a half. I went into comatose state and the whole family was truly worried. But then I survived and went on to grow healthy starting from Kindergarten. In the past few years, I have encountered some serious close calls while driving. One instance was on February 2001 when coming from work I was driving at South Expressway and my car rotated 360 degrees for several times after I avoided colliding with a van which suddenly cut me at my lane. Had I not been protected by God’s hand, I would have been dead or at least seriously hurt. But again, I was spared.

Second, I am grateful because I am PRIVILEGED to be a first born and a member of my immediate and extended family. I am not only the first child of my parents but the first grandchild of both paternal and maternal grandparents. I consider that a special blessing since having been given a lot of responsibilities and set high expectations even in early childhood, I grew up to be a very responsible person. I am privileged to be the “Ate” to my three siblings and numerous cousins who bring out the best in me since I am being looked up as a role model. I have also been blessed to live up to their expectations having been an outstanding student, youth leader, and simply a good daughter & family member. One significant blessing is to be a “Lola’s girl” of my paternal grandmother who, outside of my immediate family, is my number one supporter and constructive critique. My Lola by the way named me Maria Riza: Maria after Mama Mary, and Riza so that I will rise in any situation since she defines “riza” as “to rise”.

Last but not the least, I am God’s grateful daughter since He has made me a PEDAGOGUE - a teacher, a facilitator of growth, someone who brings out the best in others. I have been blessed to be able to live my passion which is to teach, train, coach, mentor, build people up, build groups and communities. Blessed to have made a difference not only at the workplace but more so in my family, Christian communities, nation-building community, and simply among friends. One of the most significant service I did was when I joined the mission team which established the branch of my Christian community, Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon, in Cavite where I moved residence primarily for the purpose of being close to that service. Up to now, I never run out of opportunities to be who I am made to be, a teacher at heart.

Truly, I have been protected, privileged, and a pedagogue. I am a very grateful daughter of God.