Mother's Day (August 12, 2008)

As a teacher,I always put great emphasis on the roles of parents in rearing their children. Though most are taught in schol, the beginning stages are far important than anything else. There is always a big difference between children who were raised by their parents and those raised by other members of the house including nannies. The ones whose parents are always there to guide and support are more successful in school rather than those whose parents are always absent. This is what I had observed and this is just my opinion.

In this regards, I would like to thank all the mothers who had been gracefully offering their time and love to the children I am teaching and had taught for many years. This entry is for all the mothers who gave their trust and respect to me as a teacher. I am forever grateful.

I am grateful not only for the trust and the respect but because of your dedication and commitment of being a " true mum". Have a great day!

The One and Only (August 10, 2008)

After reading the book The One and Only by Holly Hobbie, I asked my student whether she was Opal, who is patient and calm even when being copied by someone or Daphne who reacts consistently when she sees such copying behaviour. She immediately answer that she was Opal.

There was a time in my teaching career that a newly hired teacher copied everything I did in class. I helped her during her beginning days but I was actually waiting for her to acknowledge it and say, that she needed some help. I learned from a reliable source in school that she sneaked in and out of my classroom when I am gone and then took photographs of everything , and then execute those lessons and art works in her class.

When I confronted her about the issues, she told me that those that I see were her ideas and not copied from someone. I was flabbergasted as they were exact replicas of my work. I dismissed the issue and let it passed. I still remember being angry and saddened by her answers.

I learned my lessons and hopefully, she did.

Home and Back (August 8, 2008)

I find it very difficult to start anew once I have been in the comfort zone of my home. Connecting with my family is a bonding experience given only a few days to renew and cherish each moments. And as the days grew longer and the time to part becomes shorter, I cannot but feel homesick again.

Now that I am away from home again, I still feel the love and the warmth in my family’s abode. I still remember the many moments of togetherness. But even those moments are being eaten up by loneliness and homesickness. It creeps in like a shadow following me wherever I go.

Life is about choices. I ended up being alone because I am escaping something. I ended up being independent because it was a choice I have to make. I ended up being homesick but the feeling will diminish as days roll by.