Teaching used to be a very well-respected profession. Unfortunately, teachers have become the verbal punching-bag on anything turned bad in this recent time-frame. As a teacher, I do feel the pain when hurtful remarks are made, commenting on how far can one trust a teacher's efficiency to teach and thus, trusted to shape the future generation. Sometimes, I do wonder whether I am in the right profession. Am I a competent teacher? Tell me.
I am saying this not because I am a teacher. I am doing it to celebrate my memories with my teachers. The people from the time when teaching and teachers were still respected. The people who had made me believe that turning dreams into reality might be difficult but with hopes and enough effort, they are certainly possible. Of course, I agree that not all teachers are able to be well-appreciated and remembered by his or her students but I still remember mine. My kindy teacher, Pn Sapiah - who opened the wonderful world of knowledge to me and of course, Pn Zubaidah, my Standard One teacher whose face I can still remember till this very day. Who would not remember Miss Chua- that strict(but elegant) English teacher whose sarcastic remarks can be hurtful at times but her ways had convinced me that English is just another language. With enough practice, anyone can master it. I still remember the late Cikgu Rahim, whose jokes made my classmates and I waited eagerly for his Alam dan Manusia lessons.
Aahh.....that pretty and classy Cikgu Radiah. Who would imagine that a 'budak kampung' like me can finally learn how to read musical notes and abled to play the recorder under her coaching? Of course, Puan Talha proved that being meticulous would be handy for life in the future and Pn Mariam had convinced that being trendy and fashionable does go hand-in-hand with being good in Maths. Those were the years.
I admit that my experience as a school student could be one of the reasons for me to pursue a career as a teacher. I admit that it is not an easy task but I have what others do not. Teachers have always been part of one's life and as a teacher, I am a part of this. Since learning is a life-long process, I will be forever young. I always believe that if one has the desire to learn, one can never grow old. Why? As I teach, I also become a student. Learning from my students as they learn from me. Young but wiser. Why not?
As a teacher, there is nothing grander than being celebrated on that one special day- Teacher's Day of course! That joyful feeling when you are wished times and times on this special occasion. The warmth and care shown by the students who really took the trouble to find gift(s) for teachers whom they feel, extra special. This is my tenth year of being a teacher and I can firmly say that I have memories( bitter, sweet and in between) that only teachers can treasure as keepsakes. I have experienced moments that only teachers know how to savour.
I was really touched by a memorable moment some time, last year. To be able to witness one of your students earning a decent life, was beyond explanation. To be acknowledged as 'Cikgu' by him is also another touching part. I know that I did not do much for this particular student but I felt happy. Dear students, thank you for everything. In between my annoying blabbering, high-pitched voice (and sometimes threats), I do care. I might not be important to you but all of you are, to me. In case I forget, thank you very much.
Thank you for the gifts too!
