🎉 The Day My Students Gave Me the Best Gift: Their Gratitude ❤️📚

Hello, ASEAN Hive Community! I hope you are all in good health and spirits. I'm thrilled to share another post here, and I must say, the support I receive from the community admins is nothing short of amazing. Your encouragement means the world to me.

Today, I want to share a special event that happened this week at my workplace, the school where I teach. I experienced a moment that truly touched my heart: a surprise birthday celebration organized by my students. As a classroom teacher for Form 4 USM since March 2023, I've been deeply involved in nurturing and guiding these young minds for a year now. My journey with them has been a mix of discipline, encouragement, and some unique initiatives, like having them write letters to their future selves. But what they did for my birthday was something I could have never anticipated.

As a classroom teacher since March 2023, my role has extended far beyond just imparting academic knowledge to my Form 4 USM students. It's been a year of nurturing, guiding, and sometimes disciplining—all in the effort to help them grow not just academically but as responsible individuals. There have been moments when I've had to be stern with them, especially when their behavior wasn't up to par. But, on the flip side, there have been incredibly rewarding moments too.

One such instance was when I asked them to write letters to their future selves. This activity was more than just an assignment; it was a journey into introspection for them. They penned down their aspirations, hopes, and what they thought they needed to do to achieve their future goals. The idea was to give these letters back to them later in the year as a reminder of their own potential and dreams.

As a classroom teacher for Form 4 USM since last March, my role extends beyond just teaching; it's about nurturing and guiding these young individuals through a crucial phase of their lives. Managing their welfare and being a part of their personal growth journey has been both challenging and rewarding. From stern moments of discipline when they stepped out of line to nurturing sessions where we discussed future aspirations and dreams, every day brings a new adventure.

One of the most memorable activities we did together was a letter-writing exercise for their future selves. I asked each student to write about who they want to become and what steps they need to take to achieve these goals. The plan is to give these letters back to them next week, a year after they were written. It's a small step towards self-reflection and growth, a gesture to help them see how far they've come and where they wish to go.

Every student in my class is unique, not just in their abilities but also in their personalities. It's these differences that make teaching such a fascinating and enriching experience. I constantly remind them that their distinct traits are what will drive them to achieve greatness in the future. As their mathematics teacher, I see these qualities play out in the way they approach problem-solving and critical thinking.

However, teaching them mathematics comes with its own set of challenges. The most significant hurdle is their weak foundation in the basics and a general lack of motivation to revise independently at home. This makes the learning process more demanding, requiring both patience and innovative teaching methods. Despite these challenges, my belief in their potential never wavers. I often tell them, "Never give up. Mathematics is tough, but it's not insurmountable. It demands dedication and hours of study, but you can master it."

With the SPM examination looming in 2024, it's crucial for them to stay motivated and not lose hope, especially in a subject as demanding as mathematics. I emphasize the importance of perseverance and continual effort, hoping to inspire them to rise to the challenge.

Last Tuesday, a group of students approached me with an invitation that seemed quite ordinary at first. They wanted me to attend a class celebration at the school's open hall. "Everything is under control," they assured me. "The food, the decorations—we've got it all sorted. Just be there on Wednesday morning." What struck me was their insistence that I not contribute financially, an unusual but impressive gesture that spoke volumes about their growing sense of responsibility and independence.

On Wednesday, I arrived at the hall at 9 a.m., as promised. The scene was deceptively normal: students milling about, some peering out eagerly for the arrival of the catered food. The air was filled with a typical morning bustle—nothing out of the ordinary. But then, not long after I arrived, the catering service delivered the food, drinks, and, to my surprise, a cake.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. The students gathered around and began singing 'Happy Birthday' in three languages: Bahasa Malaysia, English, and Bahasa Dusun. I stood there, utterly taken aback. My birthday had been on January 9th, making this a belated celebration, but the thoughtfulness and effort they put into it were overwhelming. This was the first time in my life that students had organized a birthday celebration for me.

In the excitement of the moment, I completely forgot to take pictures of the beautiful setup. Thankfully, the students captured these memories, and the photos I'm sharing here are courtesy of their thoughtfulness.

Reflecting on this surprise birthday celebration, I'm filled with an immense sense of gratitude and joy. Such moments remind me of why I chose teaching as a profession. It's not just about imparting knowledge or preparing them for exams; it's about building relationships, understanding their worlds, and being a part of their journey towards adulthood. This experience has undoubtedly brought me closer to my students, bridging the gap between a teacher and class.

To the ASEAN Hive Community, I extend my heartfelt thanks for being a platform where experiences like these can be shared and celebrated. Your support and engagement mean a lot to me, and it's a reminder of the wonderful community we've built together. As I continue my journey as an educator, I carry with me the lessons and memories of these moments, cherishing them as reminders of the impact we can have on each other's lives.

Thank you for reading and for being a part of my story. Stay healthy, stay motivated, and let's keep supporting each other in this journey of growth and learning.

Okay, that's all. Thank you, bye!