Ms Catherine I. Cadiz
If you take a snippet of the lives of the many successful people in the world, you might notice one thing in common: the ability to face their fears and master them. This commonality drives people to test their limits, widen their perspectives, and harness their strengths to the edge. Undertaken by only a few whose conviction for excellence is so strong, this ability seems to be the key for most people in making certain they are living the life they are supposed to live.
It is that same conviction that propelled Ms Catherine I. Cadiz, a member of the faculty of the Speech and Theater Department. Her undying quest for professional and self-development led her to the University beside the sea, rendering her service as a Speech teacher for four years now.
Born on November 14, 1985 and raised in Bacong, Negros Oriental, Catherine is the eldest of four children. Hers is a family that treasures simplicity and integrity. Her father, who was a government-employed security guard and her mother, who took care of their own business, never failed to impress on her the value of hard work and dedication. She grew up responsible and independent, and these characteristics Catherine has always consciously inspired her siblings to take on as well.
She considers herself an introvert and describes her academic pursuits as those of a “late-bloomer”. But Catherine was not one who neglected her studies. She completed secondary school at San Miguel Provincial Community High School (now Bacong National High School) with flying colors. The same drive to succeed in her studies was evident even while she was in elementary at the Bacong Central Elementary School.
When she stepped into college, she felt the strong influence of her mother. She took up Commerce as a course. But two years into the program, she realized she wasn’t as cut out for it as her mother was. She had some self-introspection and realized she draw excitement and fulfillment from being able to communicate with people. It was a turning point that led her to a degree in AB English from Foundation University in Dumaguete in 2016.
Her efforts while a college student did not go unnoticed. She was in the top of her class. After graduating she was asked to teach at the same university. She accepted that offer, although thought it was exactly the profession that she dreaded. But for six years, it was exactly that which she had wanted herself to avoid that she did — teaching. She realized that far beyond the demanding nature of the profession is the kind of fulfillment that warms the heart and invigorates the soul.
An opportunity for her to obtain a graduate degree as a scholar under the Faculty Development Scholarship Program of the Commission on Higher Education popped up in 2008. She grabbed it and took up the degree of Master of Arts in English major in TESOL in Silliman University. She completed the program in 2010.
The years thereafter proved to be favorable for Catherine. she passed the certification exam in Professional Education in 2012. In the same year, she applied and was taken in as an instructor at the Speech and Theater Arts Department in Silliman. Three years later, she aced the Licensure Examination for Teachers. Not one who rests on her laurels, she is on the road now to completing her doctorate degree in Education, Research and Evaluation.
While her stint in Silliman is not her first as a teacher, she found greater motivation being in a new academic environment. It was her active participation as a faculty that made her part of a book, “Communication in the Changing Times,” which was produced by her home Department.
A family-oriented and simple person, Catherine sees herself as a passionate teacher who dreams of continually touching the lives of her students, ensuring that they leave the halls of Silliman with a better appreciation of their mission in life.
Describe yourself in three words.
Simple. Introvert. Family-oriented.
What makes you laugh?
Anything funny and humorous.
What makes you cry?
When a family member is hurt.
What’s your favorite time of the day and why?
Evening. It is the time I usually recharge and rest, getting ready for the next day.
What’s your favorite day of the week and why?
Sunday. It is the day we gather and bond as a family.
What do you love doing when not working?
I do household chores and I watch TV.
What is your favorite hangout place in the University?
Silliman Library Circulation Section and the green benches in front of Hibbard Hall.
What makes you blush?
Situations where I am caught off-guard.
Tell us a fact about yourself.
I am normally a very quiet person, but once you get to know me, you’ll see that I can be the exact opposite.
What’s your favorite game growing up?
“Shatong” and German soccer.
What is your idea of a relaxing day?
No assignments, no pressure from work, and bonding with my niece.
What one thing would people be interested to know about you?
I am a “push-the-button” type of person; I don’t usually start a conversation with strangers.
What is the first thing you do right after waking up in the morning?
I pray then go directly to the kitchen where I usually find everyone.
What’s your idea of a family?
A family will always help and support each other no matter what.
At this point of your life, what for you is your life’s mission?
To teach and touch other people’s lives.
How do you like to be remembered as a colleague?
As a passionate teacher.
