As you grow, I grow ..

Who dares to teach must never cease to learn. ~John Cotton Dana

This is something that I have believed all these years in the profession.  As much as I am called 'the teacher', in reality, my life is enriched daily because I learn from my experiences interacting with the students.

I looked at the results with mixed emotions this time round.  While last year, I was really down because I think I have done an injustice on my charges, this time round, the accountablity factor made me draw back and wonder.  I cannot change the results...they are something that I have to accept.  But this is where I reflect on how attitude makes a lot of difference.

We all know of the saying, "You can bring a horse to the water, but you cannot make it drink."
So it boils down to attitude, and the willingness to listen and improve.
That is where the magic begins.

The success stories, for me, are not so much the As.
It is of those who made the effort, and listened.
It is those, who had genuine fears about not clearing the subject, and decided, by hook or by crook, to really do their best.

A wise young man (haha) once said, "The results will only be of value for 2 weeks only. It allows you whether you play with a full deck or less." [more or less]
So for some, the results are the culmination of hard work and determination, while some who looked in disbelief...will know why at the back of their minds.

One by one, they reported back to me.
Those who chose to re-sit for the papers.
It was with a lot of happiness that I received the good news of their success...
I share their joy, but I cannot accept any credit for their victory....It is all theirs.

And to you, who thanked me in your blog,
I would say that you were the one who put your heart and soul into the exam.
It is you , who have achieved.
My role is so minute...I merely opened the door...
And I am so proud to hear that you are not going to wallow in 'what ifs'...but move on.
You will be able to stand tall.

To my kids of 09...thank you.
As you go out into the world, good luck on the next lap of your journey.
Thank you for the memories.