Daniel

I was in my first Lit class when I felt my handphone pouch vibrating. Two phones. As usual I reached out and took out my white phone. Three messages and all confirming my meetings for the week. Usually I would not check my other red one but for some reason I took it out to check. A special message from an old and almost forgotten student. His name was Daniel and he said, "Happy Teacher's Day Miss Ling. Thanks for teaching me. Have fun and enjoy your day okay:p" For a moment I paused. I suddenly felt the taste of my first sip of hot chocolate in a cold winter morning in Korea. It was heart melting. He remembered me. He could have chosen to forget me. I was only his ex tuition teacher and it has been a year ago since he left. But he did remember me.

Just then my teacher in class asked us the reason why we have decided to teach. I smiled. I had a reason and his name was Daniel

QCE520- Being Different

I was late for Professor Tmass' class today. As I stepped into class he gave a slight glance and continued to listen to my colleague speaking. For some reason I was not guilty for being late. I was, last week when I was 10 minutes late. Prof Tmass gave me that you-are-late look which some how made me feel guilty. He has the innate ability to do so and I felt it is a great talent. But this time round I wanted to see if he would speak to me after class for being late again. Don't get me wrong I was not going late to class deliberately but for once I wanted to put myself in the shoes of a student I used to know.

You see I am currently reading this book called, "I am a pencil"by Sam Swope and it has got me thinking alot more (that explains why I was late as I missed the bus while I was reading today). I have always been the studious, talkative active and punctual student in my life. Feeling guilty was a product of being a good student. I was the student that till today most teachers remember and applaude but now as a teacher I am intrigued by students who are rather quiet and those whose work tell me alot about them. For instance, I had this student who was given an assignment and I remembered clearly the pictures he chose to share about his emotions. It was deep and very symbolic. I felt that he was a thinker whose thoughts were truely complex and intellectual. The only obsticle he had was expressing himself in words. Not that he could not, but did not know how. I was helping my CT and I would seat beside him and encourage him and try to see things from his perspective. It was only for a while but that student left me thinking

Throughout Prof Tmass' class I spent a great deal observing my prof instead of actually listening to what he has to teach. I think I learn alot more observing how he teaches in class rather than what he teaches. He sparks off ideas and thoughts in my mind and I figured that was what was happening in some of my students' head, its not what I give them but what they create from what I teach them. Well content is important but I favour the process of thinking. Sometime my prof does not realise it but I actually learn new things that he may not have intended to teach. For example, how to encourage students to think with non verbal actions, his smile and the way he humbles himself when we give him the right answers. Small actions but great impact.

I also learnt that keeping mouth shut has resulted in me writing alot more and reflecting more. A process that is integral in one's life. I like the way I think when I don't speak but everyone's worried thinking I have sunk into depression. My mother would think that I have sold my soul to the devil and am plotting to blow up the world. Nevertheless, I like the thinking process and most writers and brilliant actors spend alot of quiet time alone. I have done that many times in my life only to be almost send to IMH(Institute of Mental Health). But I suppose it is alright if the passion is shifted to writing. I hope to inspire and learn a lot more from students like that. It is just refreshing for my soul.

Spell of the Day by Llewellyn

I saw this today and thought it is a good way to rejuvernate oneself
Spell of the Day by Llewellyn


For those who cannot access the website here is the article but do visit it some of the spells are good for mental destressing. Its theraputic in nature and oh it has nothing to do with Harry Potter and spells!!!

Life sometimes gets very mundane and routine, and we become bored. To awaken interest in our lives again, collect a red energizing candle, a scarf or length of cloth in an exciting color or pattern, and a stone. Breathe deeply and connect with Mother Earth. Gather up the boredom and angst you feel inside you. Feel it well up and then hold the stone to your mouth and yell all that feeling into the stone. Take the stone outdoors and throw it away from you with all your might, shouting, “Begone!” Return and light the red candle for energy. Wave the cloth over it and wrap it around you, saying, “As I surround myself in color, texture, and pattern, I feel excitement and curiosity fill me again. I am willing myself to see new patterns and to feel my life anew. As I will so mote it be.” Fill yourself with excitement and the will to see interesting new patterns. When you are finished, extinguish the candle and thank the Spirit. Wear the scarf often as a reminder that you are the excitement.

source: http://www.llewellyn.com/free/spell.php

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