“I'M FREE, I’m 114 years old, and I can do almost anything I want!” – sound familiar? Well, if the Philippines were a tempestuous child, I could imagine hearing this. Though there lies some truth in this phrase, because this country and their citizens have demonstrated their tenacity, resilience and passion to the world. On June 12, the Philippine Islands celebrate their 114th year of independence from the colonial rule of Spain. This sense of pride is evident throughout the numerous Filipino activities scheduled this month.

We all can learn from the multiple aspects of Philippine history of the struggle for freedom. Today, I’m still learning. I have wondered what “freedom” really meant for the Filipino citizens over a century ago and as recently as the last several decades of tumultuous changes in their public leadership. How were the people prepared to face an uncertain but desired future? There must have been some kind of direction or guidance, and it appears that many turned to certain leaders for the guidance or education needed to drive and build a new nation. Names included Bonifacio, Rizal, Aguinaldo and Mabini. As such, I reflect upon two key concepts – freedom and education – and its implications for Guam today.

At first it would be natural to think of freedom as the absence of any external constraints. Is this what people need to be free? To have nothing to prevent us from doing what we want? To be able to run amuck in the streets stark naked? For some people, perhaps this definition works. Not for John Dewey (1859 to 1952), a favorite education philosopher. He explains that having nothing to stop or bind us is not the condition for freedom, especially for a civil society. Dewey argued that without shared and organized rules or processes, social or political problems arise. So without order, people are not actually free. Essentially, freedom lies in the power of the person’s ability to find herself or himself effective and contributing in their society, where they can shape their common life and future. This takes self-discipline and direction, and ironically means being free.

This is my dream for all of Guam's youth and adults: to have the opportunities to learn how to discover and carry out a freedom to create their future. I continually work to find ways where students of all ages can realize, create and follow their calling in life. According to Dewey, that’s real freedom. I suspect that the founding fathers of democratic nations shared the same insight: Preparing or educating their citizens is paramount.

Fortunately, I see exciting changes happening in Guam’s public education. There is a new superintendent, as well as revolutionary changes in the GDOE curriculum through the adoption of new Common Core State Standards and the law I authored: College & Career Readiness or “CCaRe” Act signed January 2012. In addition, the University of Guam will soon have a new dean at the School of Education, bringing rigorous agendas in research and quality professional development for all teachers.

Together and through education, we can emulate the freedom fighters of all democratic nations. To all our kababayans as you celebrate Philippine Independence this month of June, “Mabuhay po tayong lahat!”