Job

You know you love what you do when you forgot there's a holiday coming. When you don't apply for leave to get the whole week off. It's no longer just a 'job'.

I enjoy being here, being part of a huge huge project that could possibly transform the mindset of teachers, bridging the gap between teachers and students, having personalised learning platform for students. And I don't work with people who are here for the money. They are here for the future generation. For education.

These 2 weeks I went through an internal company training where there were talks about the history of the company, the company values, vision, mission, understanding every department in the company, understanding the product, team building, public speaking, creative thinking.......

The best part was, even the receptionist joined in the training. Everyone started off from the same foundation again.

Imagine a company where people from different departments just mingle around, sending each other notes of encouragement, inspiring videos, being generous with compliments and smiles are everywhere.

I think unity is the key to keeping a company together and making the vision happen.

I'm looking forward to go into schools across Malaysia. And carry the culture of the company with me.

Nostalgia

Went to a school today to shadow a teacher. (for work purpose)

So early in the morning I head out to this school, and a teacher brought me to the class. Form 5. A teacher was in there, students stood up and greeted "Good morning, Miss Phoebe" and I was directed to the back of the class. Hmmm. I was never greeted Miss Phoebe before in a class... It was always "Good morning teachaaa". Gave an awkward smile to the students and took my seat.

Ah, felt like I was back in school. Just that I never sit at the back of the classroom before! I scanned through the class, prepared my notebook and started scribbling my observations.

I've never seen a class where EVERY student were attentive. Not once their eyes were off the teacher/the whiteboard. The teacher was fun, interactive, and she went to the level of her students' interests. She knows what's the latest news in the entertainment world, she knows which K-Pop, Bollywood, Hollywood artists they are interested in. Most importantly she managed to cover the objectives of her lesson.

I was inspired. "I want to be able to teach like that," I told myself.

I had so much memories coming back to me as I sat there and observed both the teacher and students engage in discussion. They were discussing English Literature past year questions. But the past year questions were based on 'The Pearl'. Now it's different haha. Wow. 'The Pearl' was during MY batch.

On my way back to work I went to withdraw money. The bank is situated below the school I used to teach in. Harvest :) AND I met my students again :') Really miss them and they were so excited! First thing they told me was, "Teacher, I passed my Maths!" I can even remember their scores.. 51, 71, 89, 90, 94..... I know they will ace UPSR.

I drove back to work after that :) Happy that my previous students are doing so well!

If you can't change the world, change yourself, then try again. One person at a time.

2 months

Been two months since I stopped teaching at Harvest, one month entering my work at FrogAsia.

I enjoy working at the new place, but I still do miss my students.. they have been a joy.
My current office is just across the road =)
I think that's a good thing...

I went over to the school's cafe 2 weeks ago to collect some muffins, cookies and scones for a few guests who were at the office. It was coincidentally the same time my students were having their breaks. When they saw me at the cafe they looked like they have just seen a ghost haha.

Some of them came over and hugged me
some thought I went back to teach
some asked why did I left them
some asked if I will ever go back to teach them
Some asked if I have forgotten them
some asked where am I working now...
some just shyly waved at me and whispered to their friends "Hey Teacher Phoebe is here!"

These children are precious. They left a great impact in my life and I really want to give back. I'm planning to volunteer there on the weekends whenever I can.

I wish the society have more awareness about who these kids and how they survive as a family here in Malaysia. I wish I have more to give and to help.

Show me Your glory

This is truly my heart's desire.. Show me Your glory, God. Your presence is where I belong.

My God

I'm so glad I'm on God's side.

I hear sounds of victory roar. Cheers and exclamation of His goodness.

He died for me. Then He defeated death. He's the macho-est of the macho.

Graduation

So 3 years came to an end quickly. I am a fresh graduate. (Okay, this is a late post)

I'm very grateful for the friends who have been with me throughout my degree.

We used to be in the same CG when I was in my 1st and 2nd year. How time flies! Now we are all in 3 separate cell groups. Praise God for growth!

This bunch survived 3 years. (many not in picture). For more pictures go to facebook k hehe. I made sure I'm catching up with them because our group was so small, I cannot afford to be left behind in my studies =)

Then there's my family. Who always believed that I can go through this course. Although I often said that it's almost impossible to pass a certain subject. I did not fail any of my papers =) 

A in a few

B in most

and there are the Cs and  the Ds for subjects I disliked.

My current CG members. A bunch who loves fellowship and food. Thanks for being there!

The bunch I studied late nights with. I couldn't stay up like them. We used to stay in the same block.

My housemates whom have seen more sides of me than my other coursemates hehe. (I notice Yen Nee is in most of the pictures)

Above all I thank Abba Father for friends and family. For protection in health, for keeping me sane, for guiding me. Throughout these 3 years I have grown so much. 

Just a side note...
On the 1st of September 2004, I asked my dad what he wanted for his birthday present. 
He said, "I wish that one of my children will graduate from university"
That was all he wanted.
I thought... that's easy. At the age of 15 I innocently had in mind that everyone graduates from university..
Because I learnt from BM karangan that if we studied hard we will get to 'menara gading'
My sis was the first to graduate from her college doing Diploma in Nursing
I have graduated from university doing Bachelor of Science (Hons) Actuarial Science.


So, happy very belated birthday, dad. Now what do you want for 2005-2011? haha. Overdued presents.

Uncountable

Everyday I encounter new experiences with my students. Some pleasant, some, not so pleasant. But most of the time I bring home good memories. Too many memories I could not type it all in here.

This school, these children, they changed my life. I received another "Thank You" card from my student yesterday. As much as they thanked me, I could not thank them enough for bringing such joy to my life =)

Of course behind the scene, there's a lot of hard work and it could be very tiring. I wake up every morning have sore arms, or legs due to too much squatting and scrubbing. I almost puked twice while cleaning the toilet yesterday. heh. Worst toilet cleaning experience ever.

But I'm thankful to be given this opportunity to experience working in this place where every teacher teaches with passion and diligence, and students learn with excitement.