A Long Hard Day

A Long Hard Day
(Personal Recount)

This morning, I got KC to come to school to talk to the current students. Though I have more or less, goaded him into 'a payback time', my intention was to let the others see that if they do not lose sight of their dreams, they would be able to reach for the stars too. (Thank you KC)

It was tough for KC...really, I would know.
But he clawed his way up...all because he was determined to make it far, and prove himself. Many of the kids have been able to 'fly' because they really want to do well, for they have got a lot to prove.

It's really up to the individual...for when you choose the right attitude, and make up your mind to give your best.

On a more sober note...I just wonder...
Am I, as an educator, expecting too much of the kids?
From experience, I know that the stress levels get unbearably high when the O level draws near. There is so much that I want to do with the class, and the idea is just to keep on pushing and pushing...

But over and over again, I do crash into a wall when I try to push 'too much'...the kids get turned off, and they cannot understand why I am trying to make them do more things than they can cope. I have learnt to buffer and guard my emotions when the kids think that there is no need to have so much practice in the subject I teach.

Today, I saw one of my friends cry...shed tears of frustration, and hurt...because she was accused of being unfeeling and selfish...The people she wants to help, are the ones who made her cry.

When we are high-strung, we all react in different ways...and in this case, actions were misunderstood. But I suppose that what will take a very long time to recover is the pain felt...

Kids...do not bite the hand that feeds you...
Do not break the hearts of those who love you
Do not take make those who believe in you...lose that faith...

Remember, your teachers have your interests at heart...
I know most of my friends have sacrificed so much of their own personal time for you...We are not obligated to be at your beck and call 24/7.

A Prayer for Today
God, things are still pretty tough...and today, a lot of spirits have been demoralised. We wonder why our good intentions are misunderstood, and why, despite the things we try to do to help, we are seen as the 'bad guys. Please do not let me lose hope...Help me keep on believing in my young charges...If the hand gets bitten again, allow me to try ,and try again. Ameen.