Sunday, February 22, 2009

I Remember....

Almost 20 years ago, a naive, yet eager young teacher opened up an offical letter she received which told her of where she would be posted. She had been lucky to be educated in fairly 'good schools', and thus, was ready to set forth to reciprocate and 'mould the minds of the future.' When she read the name of the institution, she had to sit down. Could she ever survive?

Hahaha...
How fast 20 years seem to fly by.
And how I have spent 20 years in a place which is very much my second home...and through its gates, walked many of the children whom I have come to love, and call my own. Have I survived?

There were many times when I thought I could not, would not...but those moments of doubt will be weighed over by the little moments of triumph and joy of those whose lives crossed mine.

A group of people who have a special place in my life is the batch of kids I grew up with from 1989 - 1993. It was a time when I learned much more from my kids then I can ever teach them. It was then that my eyes opened to the harshness of the 'real world' that I have been shielded from.

I learned from my kids to play hard, to laugh, to cry...and to be resilient. When I adopted a 'holier-than-thou' attitude, they brought me down a peg or two. They taught me for to stand up for rights...and to do the things one belief in...they showed me how to believe. And they drilled into me that the one thing that would keep me going in my job...is to keep on loving the children...no matter how tough the going can be.

Yesterday, when I met up with some of them, I feel I have come to a full circle.
Sufian...my 'nemesis'...there was never a day that went by without us quarreling. We still can spar right?
Shulaila...sweet and gentle as ever.
Azman...you still drive me nuts...in a nice way yesterday
Huzaini...the maturity that I see and respect
Sylvia...who has developed into a strong and outgoing character
Chelsia...wow...the level of confidence is getting you places.
Bisme...what can I say? I take my hat off you...for your will to overcome and chase your dreams.

A special mention of dear, diligent Kenneth, whose idomitable spirit has made him a 'driver' with Singapore's major airline...Hahaha...Hold your head high...never let anyone tell you that it cannot be done.

and of course the many, many other individuals whom I managed to catch up with yesterday.
To the class of 93...thank you for being such a big part of my life.
You have made your mark...

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