The Things You Learn in School
(An open letter)
My dear kids,
For many of you,crunch time is close. The nightmares have begun, and no many how many hours you grind your noses into your books and notes, the brain seems not to be able to absorb and work in tandem. I understand your fears, I share your insecurites. No one can really make accurate predictions on how you are going to perform.
But I hope that what I am telling you here will provide some comfort, and the drive to keep on trying.
Do not let fear of the exams overwhelm you. You need to be able to have a clear mind when you go in. You are ready to meet your 'enemies' (the papers), because you can recognise patterns, questions types, and set expectations. Really, the whole thing is not just about memorising the facts and figure, and the information...for when you move on later, you will realise that it is how much you are able to understand, process , and make connections that these information become useful.
Success in life... is not measured just by numbers and grades. Yes, you do need to do well in order to move on to the higher institutes of education. But ask yourself...what is your current motivation to do well? Your parents? Your peers? Your own self? If you do not believe that you can do well, than you have already defeated your sense of self-purpose. So adopt a winner's mentality, and consciously tell yourself.."I can do it..I can do well...I am working for the best of my ability and more"
" A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thought" - James Allen.
You know, you have run the long marathon...and now, you are coming into that last lap around the stadium. It seems like the finishing line is still so far away, and everyone around you has begun to pick up speed.
What is your strategy now?
Take stock of your actions...and keep your 'finishing line' clear in your mind. You are tired, but don't forget...so are the rest too...If you can pick up speed, then do so...if not, keep at an even pace. Even if you stumble...pick yourself up, brush away the dirt,...and push yourself forward.
Find your strengths...Concentrate on what you can do best...Remove 'mental and emotional' baggage like negativity, and self-doubts. Think what you can do...not about outdoing someone else.
Refuse to think that you are a failure...for I know most of you can do it...I believe.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Eyes on the Stars, Feet on the Ground
Eyes on the Stars, Feet on the Ground
(Confession of a pragmatic dreamer)
Today's entry...was inspired by a few people...
Thanks to Erickson first...who helped me conjure the image of the paradoxical "Pragmatic Dreamer"...then to Arif...the pure melancholic soul, and of course my "Sky"...for the sensible perspective of things.
As children...we had that marvellous gift...A sense of wonder...when everything in the world seemed to be some exciting things waiting to be discovered...We questioned, we wondered...we believed...and we hoped...we wished
How did we lose this along the way?
Why do we sometimes become so cynical?
When did we start closing our hearts and rationalise things with our heads only?
I do not want to ever lose that precious gift...even if I have to dig deep in my soul, or the recesses of my brain, I want to reconnect, and re-discover.
I want to be able to close my eyes, and conjure up the most colourful and delightful of images. I want to see, touch and feel...those dreams.
Dear God,
Today, you opened up a new door for me...and for that, I am grateful.
Never let me lose my sense of wonder.
Allow my rational being work harmoniously with my impulses and my feelings.
Please...let me be able to keep my eyes on the beautiful bright stars up there, but at the same time, keep my feet firmly on the ground.
Thank you...for I am blessed today. Ameen.
(Confession of a pragmatic dreamer)
Today's entry...was inspired by a few people...
Thanks to Erickson first...who helped me conjure the image of the paradoxical "Pragmatic Dreamer"...then to Arif...the pure melancholic soul, and of course my "Sky"...for the sensible perspective of things.
As children...we had that marvellous gift...A sense of wonder...when everything in the world seemed to be some exciting things waiting to be discovered...We questioned, we wondered...we believed...and we hoped...we wished
How did we lose this along the way?
Why do we sometimes become so cynical?
When did we start closing our hearts and rationalise things with our heads only?
I do not want to ever lose that precious gift...even if I have to dig deep in my soul, or the recesses of my brain, I want to reconnect, and re-discover.
I want to be able to close my eyes, and conjure up the most colourful and delightful of images. I want to see, touch and feel...those dreams.
Dear God,
Today, you opened up a new door for me...and for that, I am grateful.
Never let me lose my sense of wonder.
Allow my rational being work harmoniously with my impulses and my feelings.
Please...let me be able to keep my eyes on the beautiful bright stars up there, but at the same time, keep my feet firmly on the ground.
Thank you...for I am blessed today. Ameen.
Monday, October 6, 2008
It's Time to Let Go
It's Time to Let Go
(personal reflection)
Today, yet another little 'drama' unfolded before me...and I was in great sadness, as I watched another friend bury her head in her hands...in utter defeat. How did her spirit get so broken at this point? Easy...all it took was her charges' attitude...they were 'switched off', and found no reason to do any more work.
Perhaps, age has made me a little wiser (?), or it is because I share the same sentiments as them since it has happened to me many times over? Perhaps, the answer to us remaining sane and stoic in times like this, can be found in this poem I found.
Kudos to the writer, whoever you are.
LETTING GO TAKES LOVE
To let go does not mean to stop caring,
it means I can't do it for someone else.
To let go is not to cut myself off,
it's the realization I can't control another.
To let go is not to enable,
but allow learning from natural consequences.
To let go is to admit powerlessness, which means
the outcome is not in my hands.
To let go is not to try to change or blame another,
it's to make the most of myself.
To let go is not to care for,
but to care about.
To let go is not to fix,
but to be supportive.
To let go is not to judge,
but to allow another to be a human being.
To let go is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes,
but to allow others to affect their destinies.
To let go is not to be protective,
it's to permit another to face reality.
To let go is not to deny,
but to accept.
To let go is not to nag, scold or argue,
but instead to search out my own shortcomings and correct them.
To let go is not to adjust everything to my desires,
but to take each day as it comes and cherish myself in it.
To let go is not to criticize or regulate anybody,
but to try to become what I dream I can be.
To let go is not to regret the past,
but to grow and live for the future.
To let go is to fear less and love more
Remember: The time to love is short
------ author unknown
To M,V,S,R,N...and my 'comrade-in-arms',
The time has come to let go...But not out of fear, or frustration, but because we are ready to let them fly. Stay strong in the knowledge that you all have done your very best.
My Prayer for Today,
Dear God, I am ready to let go...and release the many hands I have held on so tightly to this year...and as they make their tentative steps on their own, remind me to walk just a step behind them...so that just in case they fall, I can still catch. And please, like an anxious mother who has to gently let go of the hands, let me find comfort in the knowledge that I may still have the chance to hold their hearts forever. - Ameen
(personal reflection)
Today, yet another little 'drama' unfolded before me...and I was in great sadness, as I watched another friend bury her head in her hands...in utter defeat. How did her spirit get so broken at this point? Easy...all it took was her charges' attitude...they were 'switched off', and found no reason to do any more work.
Perhaps, age has made me a little wiser (?), or it is because I share the same sentiments as them since it has happened to me many times over? Perhaps, the answer to us remaining sane and stoic in times like this, can be found in this poem I found.
Kudos to the writer, whoever you are.
LETTING GO TAKES LOVE
To let go does not mean to stop caring,
it means I can't do it for someone else.
To let go is not to cut myself off,
it's the realization I can't control another.
To let go is not to enable,
but allow learning from natural consequences.
To let go is to admit powerlessness, which means
the outcome is not in my hands.
To let go is not to try to change or blame another,
it's to make the most of myself.
To let go is not to care for,
but to care about.
To let go is not to fix,
but to be supportive.
To let go is not to judge,
but to allow another to be a human being.
To let go is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes,
but to allow others to affect their destinies.
To let go is not to be protective,
it's to permit another to face reality.
To let go is not to deny,
but to accept.
To let go is not to nag, scold or argue,
but instead to search out my own shortcomings and correct them.
To let go is not to adjust everything to my desires,
but to take each day as it comes and cherish myself in it.
To let go is not to criticize or regulate anybody,
but to try to become what I dream I can be.
To let go is not to regret the past,
but to grow and live for the future.
To let go is to fear less and love more
Remember: The time to love is short
------ author unknown
To M,V,S,R,N...and my 'comrade-in-arms',
The time has come to let go...But not out of fear, or frustration, but because we are ready to let them fly. Stay strong in the knowledge that you all have done your very best.
My Prayer for Today,
Dear God, I am ready to let go...and release the many hands I have held on so tightly to this year...and as they make their tentative steps on their own, remind me to walk just a step behind them...so that just in case they fall, I can still catch. And please, like an anxious mother who has to gently let go of the hands, let me find comfort in the knowledge that I may still have the chance to hold their hearts forever. - Ameen
Sunday, October 5, 2008
To Err is Human, To Forgive Divine
To Err is Human, to Forgive Divine.
(personal reflection)
In the spirit of asking for forgiveness during Hari Raya, I pondered over one of the best lines from Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice". Portia speaks to the bitter Shylock about showing a little compassion.
The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice.
(Act 4 Sci - The Merchant of Venice)
We are only humans...and very often, when we are hurt so badly by others, the first thought is to hurt back, and we often lash out in blind fury. If we have been wronged, it is difficult to forgive...and the justice we seek is like that of 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.' It is tit-for-tat reaction.
Mercy is such a compelling word; embracing the image of empathy, compassion, kindness, understanding and love. Is Man capable of such mercy? Like in the quote, " It is an attribute to God himself"...
When we are hurt, we bleed...we feel not only the physical, but emotional and mental pain...it can be agonising too. And just like the wounded beasts, we more than often in turn, hurt those who try to help us too.
Mercy...mercy...mercy...that is a blessing from heaven...We need to learn to forgive, and also forgive ourselves...It helps us to move on.
Prayer for today:
God...I pray for mercy and forgiveness. I am flawed , and full of shortcomings. And even more, teach me also to forgive, and forget...Ameen
(personal reflection)
In the spirit of asking for forgiveness during Hari Raya, I pondered over one of the best lines from Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice". Portia speaks to the bitter Shylock about showing a little compassion.
The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice.
(Act 4 Sci - The Merchant of Venice)
We are only humans...and very often, when we are hurt so badly by others, the first thought is to hurt back, and we often lash out in blind fury. If we have been wronged, it is difficult to forgive...and the justice we seek is like that of 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.' It is tit-for-tat reaction.
Mercy is such a compelling word; embracing the image of empathy, compassion, kindness, understanding and love. Is Man capable of such mercy? Like in the quote, " It is an attribute to God himself"...
When we are hurt, we bleed...we feel not only the physical, but emotional and mental pain...it can be agonising too. And just like the wounded beasts, we more than often in turn, hurt those who try to help us too.
Mercy...mercy...mercy...that is a blessing from heaven...We need to learn to forgive, and also forgive ourselves...It helps us to move on.
Prayer for today:
God...I pray for mercy and forgiveness. I am flawed , and full of shortcomings. And even more, teach me also to forgive, and forget...Ameen
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Go the distance
Go The Distance
(song lyrics from Disney's Hercules)
I have often dreamed
Of a far off place
Where a hero's welcome
Would be waiting for me
Where the crowds will cheer
When they see my face
And a voice keeps saying
This is where I'm meant to be
I'll be there someday
I can go the distance
I will find my way
If I can be strong
I know ev'ry mile
Will be worth my while
When I go the distance
I'll be right where I belong
Down an unknown road
To embrace my fate
Though the road may wander
It will lead me to you
And a thousand years
Would be worth the wait
It may take a lifetime
But somehow I'll see it through
And I won't look back
I can go the distance
And I'll stay on track
No I won't accept defeat
It's an uphill slope
But I won't lose hope
Till I go the distance
And my journey is complete
But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part
For a hero's strength is measured by his heart
Like a shooting star
I can go the distance
I will search the world
I will face its harms
I don't care how far
I can go the distance
TillI find my hero's welcome
Waiting in your arms...
I will search the world
I will face its harms
TillI find my hero's welcome
Waiting in your arms...
*************************************
To all my dreamers and heroes out there,
Stare up to the stars, while you plant your feet on the ground.
Remember, a hero is not one who has physical courage, or save the world, (or wears his underwear inside out)
A hero is one, who faces up to his own personal challenges...and still believes that he is on a continuous journey to reach his goals.
And each goal is simply a new destination...a pit stop before you move again.
A Prayer for today
God,...sometimes, the music fades, and I lose my sense of rhythm...Colour my world, and let the light in...Allow the rainbows to appear...so that I can dance in my dreams again. Ameen
(song lyrics from Disney's Hercules)
I have often dreamed
Of a far off place
Where a hero's welcome
Would be waiting for me
Where the crowds will cheer
When they see my face
And a voice keeps saying
This is where I'm meant to be
I'll be there someday
I can go the distance
I will find my way
If I can be strong
I know ev'ry mile
Will be worth my while
When I go the distance
I'll be right where I belong
Down an unknown road
To embrace my fate
Though the road may wander
It will lead me to you
And a thousand years
Would be worth the wait
It may take a lifetime
But somehow I'll see it through
And I won't look back
I can go the distance
And I'll stay on track
No I won't accept defeat
It's an uphill slope
But I won't lose hope
Till I go the distance
And my journey is complete
But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part
For a hero's strength is measured by his heart
Like a shooting star
I can go the distance
I will search the world
I will face its harms
I don't care how far
I can go the distance
TillI find my hero's welcome
Waiting in your arms...
I will search the world
I will face its harms
TillI find my hero's welcome
Waiting in your arms...
*************************************
To all my dreamers and heroes out there,
Stare up to the stars, while you plant your feet on the ground.
Remember, a hero is not one who has physical courage, or save the world, (or wears his underwear inside out)
A hero is one, who faces up to his own personal challenges...and still believes that he is on a continuous journey to reach his goals.
And each goal is simply a new destination...a pit stop before you move again.
A Prayer for today
God,...sometimes, the music fades, and I lose my sense of rhythm...Colour my world, and let the light in...Allow the rainbows to appear...so that I can dance in my dreams again. Ameen
Friday, October 3, 2008
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.
(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.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
The Power of a Dream
The Power of a Dream
(Personal Reflection)
I am back to reading Maxwell again, and in his new book "Dare to Dream ...then do it..",I came across this simple yet thought-provoking part when he questions readers on the differences between a 'daring dream' and a 'daydream
Daring Dream vs Day Dream
- relies on discipline vs - relies on luck
- focuses on the journey vs - focuses on the destination
- cultivates healthy discontent vs - cultivates unhealthy expectations
- maximises the value of hard work vs - minimizes the value of hard work
- leads to action vs - leads to excuses
- creates momentum vs - creates inertia
- breeds teamwork vs - breeds isolation
- initiates vs - waits
- embraces risks as possibilities vs - avoids all risks
- makes one responsible vs - holds others responsible
Great dreams are those which inspire and move you forward. It keeps you going, and fuels your passion. The very thought of it makes you feel alive.
Daydreams are just wishful thinking of 'if only...or what if...'
Hmmm...There is not one among us who do not have dreams. We all want the good things in life, we want things that make us feel happy.
Some of us want the tangible things in life....money, career, certain objects of desire...while there are others who want those that money cannot buy...things of intrinsic value...
My take is this...if you really believe in this dream, then you must take the right action to turn your dreams into reality. You must take ownership of this dream, and then work hard. You must be committed to your goals, and not give up.
My dear kids, I have a dream
A dream that all of you will do well in the exams.
Will you join me in making this dream a reality?
A Prayer for today,
God, grant me the sense of compassion and empathy as I begin marking my papers today. While I may wonder and be taken aback at the kinds of answers I read, always remind me that some of these kids were under a lot of stress, and perhaps could not think clearly. Oh,...keep intact my sense of humour, so that I will not wonder how on earth they have come up with such responses to the question.
(Personal Reflection)
I am back to reading Maxwell again, and in his new book "Dare to Dream ...then do it..",I came across this simple yet thought-provoking part when he questions readers on the differences between a 'daring dream' and a 'daydream
Daring Dream vs Day Dream
- relies on discipline vs - relies on luck
- focuses on the journey vs - focuses on the destination
- cultivates healthy discontent vs - cultivates unhealthy expectations
- maximises the value of hard work vs - minimizes the value of hard work
- leads to action vs - leads to excuses
- creates momentum vs - creates inertia
- breeds teamwork vs - breeds isolation
- initiates vs - waits
- embraces risks as possibilities vs - avoids all risks
- makes one responsible vs - holds others responsible
Great dreams are those which inspire and move you forward. It keeps you going, and fuels your passion. The very thought of it makes you feel alive.
Daydreams are just wishful thinking of 'if only...or what if...'
Hmmm...There is not one among us who do not have dreams. We all want the good things in life, we want things that make us feel happy.
Some of us want the tangible things in life....money, career, certain objects of desire...while there are others who want those that money cannot buy...things of intrinsic value...
My take is this...if you really believe in this dream, then you must take the right action to turn your dreams into reality. You must take ownership of this dream, and then work hard. You must be committed to your goals, and not give up.
My dear kids, I have a dream
A dream that all of you will do well in the exams.
Will you join me in making this dream a reality?
A Prayer for today,
God, grant me the sense of compassion and empathy as I begin marking my papers today. While I may wonder and be taken aback at the kinds of answers I read, always remind me that some of these kids were under a lot of stress, and perhaps could not think clearly. Oh,...keep intact my sense of humour, so that I will not wonder how on earth they have come up with such responses to the question.
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