Sep 1, 2009

Teachers have one of the most difficult jobs in life. On a daily basis, they have to deal with rebellious youngsters with different personalities and instill a love of learning into each of them while being fair to all. You might not realize their impact on you but certainly they have educated and nurtured you into someone you are today. But how often do we express our gratitude ? Perhaps only on 1st September in which we recognized as Teacher’s Day where cards, chocolates and flowers are scattered all over the teachers’ tables, photographs taken and a brief “Happy Teacher’s Day” before the half day of school ends.

The least I can do now is to thank the teachers who have been huge influences in my life,

Mrs Rita Teo (6 CA’99 of SACP) - I can’t express how much Mrs Teo has influenced me, not in words. All I can say that this wonderful teacher of mine has transformed me into someone better – someone with self-confidence, dares to speak up, finds herself enjoying leadership roles, understanding nothing “its-the-end”, loving my family, treasuring the friends in life, respecting teachers and basically being me. Getting to know Mrs Teo and being her student was a life-changing experience. It was tough being “new in town”, unable to communicate/speak much English or even just finding friends. Mrs Teo has been a pillar of support and I honestly think she’s the best teacher I’ve ever had. Thank You Mrs Teo, I don’t know if I’ve been a good student or just another student who brings you alot of troubles. But I just want to let you know that I’m thankful and appreciates everything you’ve done for me (even if you probably don’t remember playing such an important role in my life.haha) God Bless You Always.

Mr Quah (Sec 3/5’02 SACSS) – No one can forget Mr Quah’s lessons. Although he has left us, I think his teaching will always be remembered. Will never forget how we used to turn and run when we sees him along the hallway, or pulling our shorts as high as possible, or ‘whitening’ our shoes with white chalk. I’ll never forget the short chat he had with us, telling us that he believes we can do it despite we’re the “worst” class in the cohort and telling us to prove others wrong. Personally, I really appreciate his scoldings because it was a wake up call for me.

Daniel (OBS) – My favourite (one and only) OBS instructor ! Not exactly a teacher but more like a friend, thank you for being there whenever I needed someone. I really treasure this and I’ll never want another OBS instructor ! =)

Mr Tan (Guzheng) – Xie Xie Lao Shi for giving me so many opportunities. Sorry to disappoint you but I promise I won’t give up entirely. Thank you for being not only a teacher but a family friend, watching us grow up since primary 2 and believing in us in many ways.

Vani, Ronald, Ernest, Christine – My awesomest TDS lecturers =) What more can I say ?! I have the coolest bunch of lecturers who talk about anything and everything, party with us and being a friend more than a lecturer. Thank you nonetheless for the life lessons you’ve shared.

Not forgetting my parents who are my greatest teachers in life, my sister Hilda aka Mai Lao Shi who is doing a wonderful job as a teacher – educating the next generation (and destroying their lives as well ? HAHA), the boyfriend who has taught me how to be a better person in a relationship.

Teaching to me is not just passing on the knowledge but making an impact on the students’ lives. Maybe you won’t hear the Thank You(s) now but in 10-20 years time, I think you will see the fruit of your labour in a way when they grow up to be someone good. Simply because you were part of his/her life, it made a difference in how this person turned out.

I’m sure I missed out some but if you’ve taught me before and reading this, Thank You and Happy Teacher’s Day ! =)

“One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.” -Carl Jung