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To Sir with love

Sir..

That's what my students would call me.

A strange title in an English speaking country as it would mean I would be nobility, but in Malaysia, it is a title usually reserved for male English teachers.

I recently saw something which put a lump in my throat a few days ago - it was a song from Glee. Yes, I watch Glee, and no, it is not pathetic. Those of you who don't or better yet haven't, I suggest giving it a try and see what happens.

Anyway, the song was a remake of an old song sung by Lulu - 'To Sir with Love'. I saw that movie when I was a small kid, and I even though I could understand what the movie was about, I could not fully appreciate it.

Add twenty years and a teaching career down the line, and try revisit the movie.. Or just happen to watch the song on Glee... and you remember what teaching is all about.

It's not about you.

It's about the students.

Because in the end, they make you.

As I watched the video, a huge lump started to form in my throat.

I saw in all the faces sitting down and singing the faces of my own students, each with their own quirks and idiosyncracies, from all the classes that I had ever taught. Each with their own lives and their own careers. Each becoming who they are because I had personally touched their lives, and they mine.

I smile, and a single tear rolls down my face...





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Ozzie said…
I get where u're coming from bubbs. My first batch of stds from 6 yrs ago are now working and i found myself touched by their lives - and a sense of satisfaction hits you - they have become people, and are doing their part in the world. When i saw that episode of glee i didn't tear up - i cried! Also, i looked back on our own teachers and lecturers who played an amazing part in my life.

You know mr salim is now my colleague? I am still tip-toeing around him, and i still call him sir! (",)
August 7, 2010 at 1:23 PM
Abdullah Mohd Nawi said…
Yeah.. I know what u mean sue.. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of being a teacher.
And I know what u mean abt the teachers who are now colleagues thing.. weird huh?
Actually my students who are now my colleagues do the same as well ;)
August 7, 2010 at 3:17 PM
izzati fuad said…
i cried like a bucket kot watching that episode.

it leaves me with an impression of 'i want my students to sing To Sir,With Love to me!'.

i may not have years of teaching experience but to see them enjoying the language is worth it all. :)
August 8, 2010 at 8:30 PM
Ahmad said…
pada pendapat aku yang tak bijak nih, guru/cikgu nih meneruskan salah satu kerja baginda Rasulullah s.a.w., iaitu mengajar.

membenarkan yang benar dan membetulkan yang bathil.

satu mende yang tak semua orang boleh buat, tapi semua orang perlukan.

so thumbs up to you and the rest of the teachers out there. you guys are doing what we couldn't do; continuing the work of the prophets of Allah.

May Allah bless you in your quest for knowledge, brother.

and yes, we missed you like hell! T__T
August 9, 2010 at 4:37 PM
Abdullah Mohd Nawi said…
Ijat - You are on your way to becoming an educator. Be thankful - you are in a very rewarding profession..

Justin - Too tru bro.. And may Allah bless you too.. And I miss u guys too mate!
August 10, 2010 at 11:58 PM
syhcool said…
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
September 4, 2010 at 6:49 PM
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