Teachers' Day

    This is my first-ever teachers' day that I celebrated and never in a million years did I think I'd be celebrating it as a teacher myself. I didn't think much about it and was just going to every class like I usually do, conducting tests. Until one boy, after submitting his paper to me, handed me a pen, wishing me a happy Teachers' Day. I was stunned. Like, "You're wishing ME happy teachers' day?? The new teacher who is not really personal with you kids???" He wore a proud smile and handed me that pen with pride. I gracefully accepted the gift. This will definitely go down in my career as one of the validations for me being a capable teacher to my children.

    Supposedly, my school had also celebrated Teachers' Day. Unfortunately, I wasn't there when they celebrated. I was stuck with PTM for one of my classes and that was a celebration in its own way. After I was done with my PTM, I went upstairs to punch out. On my way there, the principal called me over to give me the gift, which was given to all the staff on account of the occasion. I was so surprised. I received it with a big smile and headed home.

    High school teachers also gave me a badge, wishing me a happy Teachers' Day. I felt ecstatic, but I did not show it. I wore the badge proudly and students kept asking me what the occasion was. I felt proud to wear a colourful badge and strut around with such dignity.

    Being a teacher is definitely not an easy task. You need to be ready to face anything head-on, because the school, in its entirety, has placed its faith that you are indeed a capable staff who can handle the students and set their lives on a straight path towards success and honour. I realise that I have a responsibility to uphold. I should part with the children whatever positive knowledge I can share with them and train them to become upstanding people in tomorrow's society. They must be better than the masters who train them. Hence, I shall push forth and show up for myself and set an example for them to follow. This is what I pledged myself to do when I took on the job as a teacher in the first place. I still am not sure if I am destined to be an educator, but I sure won't let anyone down by being one.

    I've always imagined myself as being a cool teacher when I was little. I've also been trained by the best there is - my mother, who is an English teacher herself. I shall strive to become a better teacher every single day and motivate students to choose the right path in life.