What do you do when home calls? You come back.

Weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to meet with parents of Grades 6 to 12 students from Southville International School and Colleges for a talk on “What Teens Wish Their Parents Understood About Technology.”

Stepping back into Southville felt like a homecoming. I spent nearly five years there, and even though it’s been a decade since I left, the warmth, smiles, and hugs from familiar faces made it feel like no time had passed.

Weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to meet with parents of Grades 6 to 12 students from Southville International School and Colleges for a talk on “What Teens Wish Their Parents Understood About Technology.”

But leading up to the talk, I had my doubts.

I knew my expertise in digital and social media marketing was solid, but was I the right person to discuss this topic with parents? After all, I am not yet a parent myself.

Then, I realized something important: Parents love their children deeply. No matter how complex or overwhelming technology may seem, they will always be interested in understanding it—because it matters to their kids.

That’s when I understood my role. It wasn’t about being a parenting expert. It was about being a bridge between children and their parents, helping them navigate conversations about technology and social media.

I’m grateful to Sam Bendo for remembering me and entrusting me with this topic as early as December 2019. I also appreciate the support of Deputy Principals Ms. Gladys F. Mintu and Ms. January Gutierrez for being present during the Parent Learning Session.

And to my former colleagues—Elydia R. Reyes, Mark Jonathan Salibio, and Mems Sevilla—it was wonderful seeing you again.

Even though it was just for a few hours, it felt good to be home.

Because when home calls, you always go back.

Want to listen to my talk? I published it in as a Pin To Top podcast episode. Click below to listen.