When I first met Sister Cecille – Ces, as she’s known by most – it was back in the San Nicolas Ward in the Ilocos Norte region, Philippines. I was just starting my mission in the area, and I quickly noticed this young, vibrant couple that radiated love, faith, and devotion to each other and the Church. Ces and her husband (Francis) were at the beginning of their marriage, full of hope and excitement for their future. I was inspired by the way they supported each other, and how they eagerly supported the missionaries. I remember thinking, this is what true partnership looks like. They had this quiet strength that spoke to me deeply. It’s not every day you meet a couple who not only love each other but also serve with such sincerity and commitment.
A few years later, we reconnected on Facebook, and that’s when I really started seeing the beautiful life Ces had built. By then, she was a proud mother of four, an experienced teacher, and someone who had taken her faith, family, and career across oceans. In 2021, Ces and her family made a huge leap – they moved to the U.S., where they have been navigating a new life, continuing to grow, and thrive.
A New Beginning: Teaching in a Foreign Land
Ces’ journey hasn’t been without challenges, though. As a special education teacher coming to the U.S., she was faced with not only the personal adjustment of living in a foreign country but also a complete overhaul of her professional environment. Everything she’d known about teaching – the curriculum, the methods, the expectations – was different.
“It was overwhelming,” Ces says. “There was so much to learn, and it felt like I was starting over in every aspect of my life.”
She talks about the steep learning curve of adapting to a new educational system and learning how to support students with special needs in a way that is culturally sensitive. “In the Philippines, family involvement in education is so rooted in community,” Ces reflects. “But when I came to the U.S., I realised just how varied family dynamics could be – cultural backgrounds, socioeconomic factors, and expectations were all different. I had to really learn to build trust with families and understand how to best work with them.”
Her experience taught her that education isn’t just about academics; it’s about navigating relationships, building connections, and understanding the individual needs of every student. The process of building those relationships was difficult at times, but it also became one of the most rewarding parts of her work.
“I’ve come to appreciate the beauty in diversity – each family, each student, has something unique to offer,” Ces says.
The Heart of Her Motivation: Family and Faith
One thing that has always stayed the same, no matter where Ces has lived, is the role of her family. As a mother of four, Ces admits that balancing her career with the responsibilities of raising children – especially while navigating life abroad – hasn’t always been easy. But through it all, her family has been her anchor.
“My children are my biggest motivators,” Ces says with a smile. “I want them to see that no matter where we are, we can make a difference. Even when things get tough, we have each other – and we have faith.”
Ces remembers how difficult it was to be apart from her children during her first eight months in the U.S. “Being away from them was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But I knew I was doing this for them – for our future.” Thankfully, her three youngest children were able to join her soon after, and that moment marked a turning point in her journey.
“The moment they were with me again, I felt complete. We were all together, facing this new chapter as a family.”
Dreaming Big: Giving Back to Her Community
When you speak with Ces, it’s clear that her heart is not only set on her family’s future but also on making a difference back home in the Philippines. For years, she has dreamed of building a school in her home country – a school dedicated to children with special needs, where they can thrive in an inclusive, nurturing environment.
“I want to create a space where every child, no matter their background or abilities, can feel like they belong,” Ces explains. “Education is a powerful tool for change, and I want to bring what I’ve learned here in the U.S. to help children in the Philippines.”
Building this school is a long-term goal, and Ces is committed to making it happen. “It’s a dream I’ve held close for years,” she says, “and I’m working hard to make it a reality. It’s not just about the education; it’s about giving these children the opportunity to dream and succeed in a way that’s tailored to them.”
Through continuing her own education, saving diligently, and connecting with other educators, Ces is actively working toward bringing this dream to life. “It’s all about planning for the future,” she says, “but also being patient with the process.”
What Keeps Her Going: A Deep Well of Faith
Even on the toughest days, Ces is fueled by her faith and her desire to help others – especially her family and students. “My faith in the Lord has been my constant source of strength,” she shares. “Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, I pray. I know that I am not alone in this journey. There’s purpose in everything that happens, even when it’s hard.”
Earlier this month, on January 13, Ces and Francis celebrated a beautiful milestone – their 25th wedding anniversary. A journey of love, commitment, and faith, this anniversary marked a special chapter in their shared story. An incredible achievement! And still very much in love, just like the first time I met them!
In her work with students, Ces draws on this same belief. “Teaching is a calling, not a job. I see my students as individuals with their own gifts and challenges. My job is to guide them, to help them feel valued, and to show them they can succeed.”
Words of Wisdom: What She’s Learned Along the Way
Reflecting on her journey, Ces has gathered many lessons. “One of the biggest things I’ve learned is the importance of being flexible,” she says. “In education, things don’t always go as planned, but that doesn’t mean you give up. You adjust, you learn, and you keep going.”
She also believes in the power of cultural humility. “Moving to the U.S. and immersing myself in a new culture has shown me just how important it is to be open-minded,” Ces says. “Being able to appreciate and respect different perspectives is essential in both teaching and in life.”
And, of course, Ces is passionate about lifelong learning. “Whether it’s learning a new teaching strategy or figuring out how to balance my career and family life, there’s always room to grow.”
Looking Ahead: The Future Is Bright
Ces’ future is filled with dreams. She’s committed to advancing her education further, pursuing more certifications in special education, and continuing to grow both professionally and personally. But at the heart of it all is her dream of building a school in the Philippines.
“I want to create something that will last, a place where children with special needs can find hope and opportunity. It’s going to take time, but I’m dedicated to making it happen,” Ces says, her eyes full of determination.
My Reflections on Ces Journey
Ces’ story is one of resilience, faith, and hope. Through her experiences – both as a mother and a teacher – she has learned the importance of flexibility, cultural humility, and the deep value of relationships. Whether in the classroom or at home, she continues to strive to make a difference, knowing that the impact she’s having now will ripple out for years to come.
Her journey is far from over. She has big dreams on the horizon, and there’s no doubt that she will continue to inspire and uplift everyone she meets along the way.
Like Ces, I also believe that teaching is not just a profession but a calling. In fact, continuous education is the key to success-especially when working abroad, as a minority, or coming from a developing country. There’s always room to improve, and without striving for growth, you risk getting stuck. Dreaming big is essential, as it gives you a clear anchor to guide your path toward success. While it may not always be easy, having a vision of where you want to go makes life much more manageable.
I feel that many of Ces’ values and motivations are in alignment with my own. Her determination, faith, and focus on growth resonate deeply with me, and it’s a reminder that with the right mindset, we can all achieve the dreams we hold dear.
Engage with Ces’ Journey – And Stay Tuned for What’s Next!
If you’d like to connect with Ces, learn more about her journey, or have any questions for her, feel free to drop a comment below or connect with her over Facebook! She’s always open to sharing her experiences and offering guidance.
Stay tuned for our next featured person in February, where we’ll continue to highlight incredible stories of resilience, faith, and personal growth. Thank you for reading, and we hope Ces’ story has inspired you as much as it has inspired me!