"No, I mean seriously, what made you choose to teach?"
People always ask me this question and my answer was always "because I want to teach what I like". This was how I answered 6 months ago but now if you ask me this question again, I would have answered it differently.
Today is the first day of a new semester. The usual hustle and bustle atmosphere has returned to the campus after 2 months of holiday. People always have this misconception that lecturers do not need to work during the holiday but in fact, we work harder than usual – attending training, preparing materials for next semester, projects and etc.
After going through the first semester, I guess I have changed a lot. My perception towards teaching has absolutely gone into a different dimension. During our training, we were told that a teacher’s job is to mold the students. But now I think I am the one who was "molded" by my students…in so many ways.
The first time when they called me "Cher!", I knew that I was brought into their customs. I was ‘tuned’ into their favourite past time – playing games. Because of that, I have become a better gamer! My students have taught me Battle field 2. They taught me how to use different weapons, planting bombs, throwing grenades and my all-time favourite – driving a tank. Our usual conversation after school is all about game, game and GAME!
Besides that, I have learned so many ‘slang’ from them, such as "Cool sia!" and "So handsome can!". It is a matter of time I will speak like that. Mmm…Cool sia…
One of the greatest inspiration and motivation comes from my student who has muscular dystrophy. The first time I saw him was during the O’level result release at his secondary school. That time, I was so amazed by him when he was presented the result and did quite well for his O’level. Though he can’t lift up his arms and is wheelchair-bound, he continues to pursue his dream. During the orientation earlier this year, I was very surprised to see him at the lecture theatre. What a fate! He has chosen to study multimedia design and worked very hard to complete his assignments. He designs website, draws, and does his work just like everybody else.
His mother is absolutely speechlessly attentive, caring, patient….Her love is so unconditional and greater than any word that men can ever describe. She is there for him 24 x 7 literally – she attends class with him, flips pages for him and etc. He has a group of friends who help him whenever they can. They remind me of such a great love in this world that I thought I have taken it for granted. They remind me of how great it was to be able to walk. I used to complain about walking but now, I appreciate my freedom of walking, dancing and playing sports. He inspired me in so many ways – to do more, be more patient and appreciative.
I guess my students are my ‘teacher’ in so many aspects. I wonder how I would be ‘transformed’ again after this semester.
Posted under Events , Work | 1 Comment
*how pathetic* But the great thing was, my first tee off was great! It was like the golf game on the TV where people clap each time the player hits the ball. My mates were very supportive and that gave me lots of encouragement to carry on. 
Don’t play play! Dictionary ok!
