Yesterday during graduation ceremony, i couldn't hold back my tears. Sitting in the hall, listening to my 4NT students' speech, i couldn't help but to feel touched. Like a proud mother, i applauded them for coming this far and for maturing into young adults who have big dreams about their future.
My literature students, who are mainly girls, reminded me so much of my student self. i too cried during my graduation ceremony and i remember hugging my form teacher back then. i knew i couldn't hide my emotions when i saw my girls.
One by one, they called my name, with tears in their eyes and reached out for a hug. i'm not usually a physical person but i felt, that was the last thing i could do for them and for myself, to express how grateful i am to have them as my students.
This is my first batch of graduating students who followed me for 2 years. They have been really sweet and teachable. The girls and even the boys would ask if i'm feeling better whenever i came back from a day of MC. Some of them would wave at me and shout my name when i appear in their line of vision (yes, even when i'm on the other block). i'm just a very normal teacher in school but these kids give me so much love and kindness. How can i not be touched?
They are the ones who encourage me and make my day. What i do everyday becomes meaningful because of them. On so many occasions, i felt like giving up. But these kids keep me going. Being appreciated is the best gift for me, as a teacher.
Unlike them, i'm not and i can't be as expressive, simply because i'm their teacher. All i can do is to write encouragement notes and give them cards. Sometimes i may even seem a little aloof when they say, "I love you, Ms Chow!" But deep down, i know how i feel towards them.
Yesterday, my students saw my soft side. A side of me that is me. A few of them even told me not to cry and ended up crying with me, haha. i will miss these kids dearly. i hope they do well so that the next time we cry, it will be tears of joy.
