As they say, when an old chapter closes, a brand new one opens, and that starts on a fresh page.
For the past almost one year, I really have been so blessed to be allocated a workplace where I have grown tremendously. I choose to believe that it is always difficult to settle into a routine, yet constantly face new situations while being in that routine. Yet, for the past year I have been granted the opportunity to do just that; and more, with random things cropping up out of nowhere and forcing me to step out of my comfort zone, think on my feet and modify plans entirely to keep up with the circling whirlwind overhead. And now I look back and wonder how I managed to get through all of that, a small part of me still willing to dive head first into what I have experienced and go through it all over again.
Thank you Ngee Ann Sec for providing me with a conducive environment in which I have learnt (and am still learning) to overcome challenges, raise my tolerance level and go beyond my limits and capabilities. When I entered the school as a fresh graduate, I really was a blur sotong who did not know anything and was kinda timid of what lay ahead of me, but stepping through the school gates on my last day saw me being more confident and eager to experience more in this field. Even as I am in ulu NTU typing this post now, I find myself constantly looking back at the times I have spent in the school, somewhere I have grown comfortable in, somewhere I miss quite dearly.
Thank you to my colleagues and everybody who crossed paths with my the past year. I think it is another major blessing to work with people who have such passionate hearts, not only for the students, but for the profession as a whole. Everyone has always been so ready to share their experiences with me, and helping me without questions whenever I have doubts or issues to clarify. I appreciate all of you greatly and I hope that if chances permit, I could have the honour to be your colleague in the workplace once again.
Thank you to my students who have been nothing short of wonderful to me and making my experience as a teacher the most awesome one that I could ask for. I really had my doubts because I didn't have much experience in handling teenagers, and I have heard so many horror stories of how tough it could be to communicate with this age group of kids, but it turns out that I didn't have any cause for concern. All the kids I have encountered have their own quirks and special characters, some naughtier than the others, but I see how each of them had their own story as well, and I agree more than ever with the saying that there are no such things as bad kids. Yes there are mischievous kids, troublesome kids, quiet kids, but they aren't bad inside. And when I see the ability these students have to care for their peers and the people around them, and the extent to which they can go to show appreciation and gratitude, my heart is immediately warmed. Surely this is one of the milestones that educators work hard for to see being achieved? And I am glad to see that after only being in the profession for a year.
I think that God has been so good to me this past year, from being a source of comfort in the darkest days just barely a year ago, to being a provider and support in my everyday life now. Things still seem rather surreal and its still difficult to absorb fully what has happened to me thus far. However, I will continue to have faith and may this new chapter be one that is as memorable, as meaningful and will help me to become better in what I do. So thankful to everybody who has helped me in one way or another, I love you all! <3
