Angeline was my student.
I was her geography teacher.
She was probably my brightest student in my favorite class.
But I remember her not because of her intelligence ... but because of her change. Her change in her attitude towards her teacher.
When I started teaching my favorite class, I realized she would try to 'hide' her talents. Maybe she was frightened of being 'shot' a question. Maybe she was shy. But I knew from day to day events, she was the brightest kid in that class of 35.
For the remaining 3 weeks, She just kept quiet during lessons. But when I marked her work, I knew she was the brightest kid in that class. Even when I asked her to smile more and participate more, she would still remind silent but attentive in class. Maybe that is who she is. And I accept her for that.
The day I left the school, I never got to say good bye to her. As her classmates came up to say farewell, Angeline didn't appear. And I felt a bit lost that she didn't come to see me. I did.
And I left the school and my favorite class.
A few weeks later, as I was making my way to dinner around 5pm on a Friday. I saw Angeline.
I thought for a moment; 'Should I go up and talk to her'. Eventually I did.
"Why so late still never go home?"
And then, I saw the brightest kid of my favorite class smile at me like she never did before. And she wouldn't stop talking to me for that short 10 mins. That smile was probably the happiest 'image' in my memory in a long while.
Her bus came and it was time for us to part again. As I wished her goodbye and best of luck... Angeline asked if I was going to go back to teach them. I didn't give her an answer. I just couldn't. Up till now, I still can't. As your teacher, I am sorry I may have to break that promise we made in class.
The reason I posted this was because, Angeline wasn't the only kid in that class that changed. I guess I will always remember that bunch of 'monkeys' ... G***, A*****, W** A**, C*** R**, J***, C******, S******, M*******, H** C***, A****** ... etc.
I will always remember them, not their names but at least their faces. How we joked together, the 'stupid' jokes they cracked, how noisy they were, those who always slept during lessons, the little 'sharing' sessions with me ... most of all, how they changed, just like Angeline, the girl who wouldn't smile even when I encourage her, till we met again that fateful day.
'Ladies and Gentlemen, if you ever see this blog post. I wish you good luck in life. Do your best, I believe in you guys. Remember Mr Tan's 3 'R's. And most of all, keep smiling.'
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