31 August 2007

This is the day. It has finally come and gone. It's the start of a new beginning and I can hardly wait. The last few weeks were manic and I haven't had the time to prepare and think about going to Leeds. Not that I'm not ready but as in really sit down, breathe, chill..that sort of a thing. I only have a week before I leave so the next week will be equally packed as well.

It's my last Teachers' Day as well. I can't put things in words. But I think to put it simply, I don't think I left because I didn't like what I was doing. I left because I didn't believe that teaching and education should happen when students and teachers are not empowered but emboldened by systems that somehow make people wonder what real education is. I am certain there is no perfect or utopian system but at least I hope that this decision I made will enable me to experience a different environment where education is respected, not merely followed because it is a means to an end but to see it for a value in itself.

Whatever it is, I promise myself that I will make the best of the next year or so being a student for a change. Wherever it leads me to, only time will tell and I believe that God's choices for me are best.

For now, I will enjoy time with my family and friends before I bid them farewell. I will miss the dog too! :'(

But here's a little check-list of what I received from students:
1. Chocolates, cookies & muffins - these kids really spent time on buying/baking them. Really nice :)
2. Cards - this year's cards are somewhat different. I suppose leaving them makes them write more sincere & less 'frivolous' things like "...it's kinda fun to have you..." Of all the cards & notes I received, the one that got me thinking most was this one student who thanked me for telling her that results and marks are not everything - she's a perfectionist.
3. Errmm...bath sets - do I really stink that much? Haha!
4. Flowers - really pretty but unfortunately, they will die after a couple of days. Nonetheless, it's still sweet.
5. A t-shirt that read #1 English Teacher - the girls told me that I should wear it to my lectures everyday so that I won't have to do assignments or take exams since I'm already #1. How cute!

I will miss my students, though I'm glad to say goodbye to some of them. I most certainly will miss my colleagues who are friends. The crazy corner will be a lot quieter, more sane and sedated. No more singing, dancing, chocolates, crisps, one-liners, scandalous tales, rants, raves, etc etc...

Hello tomorrow :)