Are You A Positive Influence?

A few days ago, was getting “sentimental”. Was asking myself, ever since I started teaching, can I recall any “string” impression of students being affect by me.

One incident strikes me very clearly as it seems to have embedded in my mind, even though it happen more that 20 years ago. I remember that I had started my teaching, probably only a year or two, that there was this Malay boy who seems to be unable to cope with his studies. I had never given up on him and took my time to explain slowly over and over again to him about the subjects. Thereafter, he manages to pull through and this was what he said to me, “I will never forget you as mine teacher. When I am successful in life, I will always remember that it was you who had helped me in times of difficulties”, not the exact words but very close to what he said. Ok, I don’t think he will remember me in years to come, but at least, I knew he was sincere in his appreciation for having me as a teacher.

No, I am not trying to boast, but would like to share that as we live, we should try to have a positive impact on those around me. Only a few days ago, one of my colleagues came to see me about setting a web site where we can put questions and the students could do some revision. It was after seeing my site where I had question put up for my students that spurs him to come up with another solution as I told him that I had to pull out all my site as it might infringe some copyright laws. I was so glad to see that my desire to help my student is rubbing into him. So it is important that we leave a positive effect to those around us.

Unfortunately, too often life is not like that. I had another colleague, who always seems to be complaining, complaining about this, complaining about that. At times, I just simply try not to join this colleague for meals. I had seem how another colleague of mine seems to develop the same negative attitude. Hopefully, it is not deeply implanted.

That is why, for you, mine readers, learn to project a positive attitude and it will do marvels to all those around you. There are things that beyond our control, things like why this person got the promotion, why this person getting lesser work to do etc. Life is never fair. To those who are about to join the working life, I can tell you strongly, LIFE WILL NEVER BE FAIR!!! It is Ok, as long as we learn to be contended, then we will not be so sulky and unhappy. So when we are more joyful, this will affects those around you. So, REJOICE!!!

Results Or Values???

The recent arcticles about the principal who “persuade” some of her NT students to go to ITE instead of allowing them a chance to try taking their “O” level again. She may says that she is trying to get them to be realisitic, but I think otherwise, hopefully I am wrong.

First of all, if one of them was her own daughter, she will definitely encourage her own daughter to try for the “O” level and if they happen not to make it, then they can go to ITE. This is my sincere believe, that we should always give everyone a chance, if they qualify. To me, probably the principal is more concern that should they failed, it might not gives the school a 100% pass rate. That is the problem with our school system. We are too preoccupied with result, ranking, etc rather than to bring the best out of our students.

I had been teaching for over 25 years, and yet I try very hard not too be too concern with just academic results. Not that I am trying to boast, but I try to always get my students to involve in activities that will bring some joy to the underpriviledged. To me this can shape the character of our students. Instead of just striving to beat everyone academically, our youngster must also realize that there many that need the assistance of those better off. We must learn to show a little more concern for others rather than to just think only for ourselves.

With this recent uproar, it is a good opportunity for my young readers to learn to appreciate life, instead of just becoming to engross in ourselves over results. Learn to look around you, gives when you need to give instead of always thinking of taking from others or trying to score points by using others