Saturday, June 03, 2006

1A1



It's 410am and I have to get up at 730am.
I have to play soccer in the inter company games day, go for worship practice and ref capstan's ball today. This will bring me all the way till evening.
But I can't sleep and the cough mixture has yet to kick in.
I'm in trouble.
So what do i do in the light of all these?
Get sentimental! After all, I'm transitting, right?
And for those of you who are more concerned about my moral standing, the kids did not take alcohol.

These are my babies.
My 1A1.
For those of you who made it to my blog, you deserve to know that the class holds a very special place in my heart.

As a teacher, i was always evolving.Trying to be popular, friendly, accepted, efficient,established. But I couldn't really find myself over 4 and a half years. I tried to tow the tension between the roles i had to play. Was never easy.

But when i went to class on day 1 of term 1, something in me started to click/break when i had to teach them how to tie their school tie.It would be easier to shout in a loud voice and set a timing for them to sit quietly with their ties all done up.

"I don't care how you do it, you better be ready!"

That's my usual mode. But i didn't. And then it all happened.

My uni lecturer Dr Helen Wright made a mini speech on her last day that left many of us guys fighting to hold back the tears.

"You always think that teachers affect the students. But do you know that you(students) affect the teacher too?... I have to go now...goodbye."(british accent)

She was so sweet. We applauded her as she made her way past all of us walking up the steps of the lecture theater. Everyone tearing along with her.

1A1, you have affected me. Your innocence and childlikeness made my harded soul believe in education again.

"Don't waste time. If you don't want to study, ITE is a better option! No hard feelings."

I was only half right. There were, but the hardening only went inwards.
But you have helped me adjust and moderate myself so that before I leave OPSS, I would gain the sweet and wonderful experience of being an educator.

I started to believe in the potential of youth again.

I started to look at each one of you in the eye and to tell you,
"I believe in you."

I've learnt that such statements go a long way.

Thanks for allowing me to try that out.

I keep looking 3 years ahead of you and seeing top students, CCA leaders, student councilors.

I'll be back in 3 years to see you.

I believe in you.

Thanks for affecting me.

I think i can sleep now.







7 Comments:

Blogger Gillian said...

Woah! I believe the impact made is mutual. You somehow touched and put into words the essence of being a true educator. It is a struggle (I think I have yet tasted the entire dish) but I guess it is worth it.

12:35 PM  
Blogger Mun said...

You gave my heart a suan feeling. Simon, I look up to you because you always gave your best.

5:53 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hies!!!
so sad yyur leavin' us.
hahs.i noe 1A1 ppLe will be touched when dey c dis. xD.
[[well ii was when ii read it.]]
anywaes be sure 2 cum back soon hor!!.
gd luck!!

10:32 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

mr cheo..
gd luck iin wadeva euu do nw.. hahaz..
cum bck 2 orchid park soon..kkaes?
we will miss euu derhx..

5:56 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

aiyah...y u leave us so soon? aniwae...i hope u wld not break ur promise hor...bee sure 2 cum back in 3 yrs' tyme.....gud luck in wadeva u do....btw...napfa test is juz round the corner......wish mii gud luck bah...gtg liiao...next tyme den wif u on9 lolz....leave a testiie in frenster...mii ish missyMIIE....

gud bye
take care....

7:34 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

ohh... we're glad that you posted a blog entry on us. love you furr that... muacks!!! haha...
y dun have a pic of ms lo harhx??? haha

u so late sleepp...

touched by watt u said abt uss...

but SO SHORT... WRITE A LONGER ONE MARH... and write the whole class name ar. rmb the time we celebrated ur birthday in macs... so fun. u started singing but we roared with laughter and did not continue... haha. in the end we screamed and sang as loudly as possible. too bad the cake was sooo tiny man! pathetic little cake. u the birthday man(not boy) had to eat half a pathetic slice of cake. (or are you dieting??) haha... rmb us always. and ms lo is forever waiting for you. listen to the song right here waiting bah! haha. We'll soon have in on the claz friendster.... drop tt a testimonial worhx... and rmb to sign in sometimes. 3years later maybe the friendster account might be abandoned but reli hope that will still keep in touch via email worh...

8:23 AM  
Blogger hazzie_Qqa said...

awwwhhhh....
so sweet!
melted when we read it!
gd luck to u...
zqa:)

8:31 AM  

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