Today

In many ways, I would say today is a happy day. :)

Yes, everything went well... in a way, it couldnt be otherwise because all that needed to be done was done. There was planning; there was support; there was liberty; there was coordination; there was harmony; there was joy in the doing of duties. Same mind; same attitude; same commitment. All the correct ingredients were there. I couldnt ask for more. So it went well. Honestly, from the start, I felt and knew it would go well.
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Duties apart, I must admit whilst watching this batch graduate, I was thinking of the next, my baby batch. They will be growing up very soon! They will graduate next year! The kids say, must stay to see them graduate. Must wear gown to 'graduate' with them. I didnt think of that actually. But I must say, I actually look forward to it! hmmmmm......

Of course it means that they will then flap their wings and soar into their horizon. I do want to see them soar, grow up, be happy. Though life wouldnt be easy out of this cosy nestling they are so used to. But they will have to persevere and overcome.

Thanks for being so sweet to suggest taking 'family' photograph. I was a little bewildered at first. But later it dawned on me: thank you for the thoughtfulness. Actually I never liked taking photos. But yes, I was happy to take with them. In some ways, they are really my kids. I am really happy to be with them.

不在乎天长地久

只在乎曾经拥有

I will really miss them, and really it has truly been a blessing to me to come across this group of very genuine, happy and silly kids. :)

This is not to say, I dont enjoy teaching the other kids. I enjoyed my bridging lessons these 2 weeks. It is always a joy to teach kids that want to learn, and are earnest to learn. And they were responsive and enthusiastic. So despite being really tired from the morning, it was no chore to continue on 3 hours of lesson when teaching has ended for most. It was really a pleasure to teach.

In that, I really have been very lucky. Overall, most of the kids I had taught over 20+ years have given me joy in teaching. In packing my things over the past week, I had cards and letters that dated back to the start of my teaching days. And really hundreds and hundreds of them. I have kept them. But it is time to let go. That I have helped some kids a little in their path of growth, I would not have lived my life in vain.

If I was to depart tomorrow, I think it would be with little regrets. I would prefer however to clear all the mess at my place and put things in order first so that no one needs to see to things for me after I am gone. And I would prefer to take care of tiger and brownee to their end first. And yes, of course I would wish to see my kids grow up and settle down. But given no one can say when their last breath is, I think to some extent I can say I have lived my life meaningfully by the mercies and grace of God, despite all the downfalls.

Goodbyes are inevitable. What is important is: life begets life. I have lived my life: Let us help the young live and build their lives ahead.

So, in conclusion, today is a meaningful and happy day. Teaching is not about career. Not about position; status; plans; kpi and whatever new terminology coined. Life does not change. Every life needs to be nurtured. Teaching is about nurturing a child to fruition, like seeing a batch graduate. That pride that only a parent that loves his/her child understands, to see a seedling grow into a sapling, budding, and blooming. Its a beauty.

I have always wished to teach in schools at countryside to get away from this crazy over-planning rat-race. Yet strangely enough in this school, I should have found a bunch of kids playing hide-and- seek at 15, and laughing over the silliest thing, happy and contented with life even now when they are going to be 18!

Seriously, Sie-riously, I am content.

Thank you for making me happy. Thank you for helping me see some meaning in my life.

And to Everyone, thank you for all the help and coordination. Not just for those that helped today, but over the past week. Not just those from ex-403, but EveryonE.... and i mean EVERYONE! THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. :)

I will try to stay on to see you all graduate! I will be proud of all of you. Very Very Proud. :)