If you do remember me, I am indeed thankful for that and believe you me, I do appreciate it a lot. Over the years, I have taught so many boys and girls. Some I do remember, others vaguely or not at all. Some, I may recall the faces…while others, the names may ring the bell. There have been some even whom I could not remember at that point in time but a day or two later, it all came back to me as clear as day!
Well, last Friday night, two of them, Andrew and Hang Yuh, invited me out for dinner. Andrew’s a pharmacist in Christchurch, New Zealand…and would always get in touch with me everytime he comes home with his wife, Michelle. Hang Yuh’s a SHELL engineer in Miri, still very eligible and available…and he too would always contact me without fail, should he happen to be dropping by.
It was Friday in the season of Lent, so I was not having any meat…and Hang Yuh seemed to have developed an allergy for crustaceans – even though once, when I was in Miri, he took me for a feast of crabs and did not have any problem at all at the time. So, we just had fish…
It was very fresh. As a matter of fact, the restaurant boss said that it was still swimming in the kitchen! They call this type of fish – “Soon Hock“, so hopefully, in the Tiger Year, everything will be “soon-soon” (smooth) for all of us and with a lot of “hock” (good luck)…
We also had vegetables including cangkok manis with egg and this asparagus dish with mushrooms…
…and this plate of very nice homemade tofu…
The boss was describing to me one egg dish but I could not make head or tail out of it. Nevertheless, I decided to give it a try and it turned out to be some omelette dish with thinly sliced vegetables inside…
Thanks so much for the dinner treat, Hang Yuh…and thanks to you too, Andrew and Michelle for bringing me this all the way from New Zealand…
To get back to what I was talking about, that evening, at the next table, there was this guy who came to greet me. I just guessed that he was a student in the late 70s or early 80s in Kanowit…and I was right. He was with his family and now has 3 daughters! There were also some people at another table and we heard them saying “lao tze” (teacher) and when I looked, a girl smiled and waved…but I was not too sure whether she was from one of my tuition classes or from one of the schools where I had taught before. Another one greeted me while we were leaving and I thought his name was Kelvin but he said he was William! Blush! Blush! LOL!!!
Earlier, while we were still eating and chatting, one approached my table. By George, what a pleasant surprise! It was Soon Yiew – now a doctor in Singapore after he had graduated from NUS there, married and has a son. When in secondary school, he used to take part in those public speaking competitions of which I was the teacher advisor…and after he finished Form 6, before he left for his further studies, he gave me this…
I still have it and shall always cherish it, along with the memory of those sweet moments that I have had…as a teacher.
Comments on: "If you remember me…" (32)
I have taught teenagers who make me want to throw them out of the window, not before i squeeze the beejeezus out of them with my bare hands for being so nonchalant about their future or simply, wanting to see me losing my cool. It can be taxing mentally and psychologically dealing with those modern amazing breed and as much as i want to use their face to scrub the longkang everytime they appear in my way, i hate and don’t want to admit that deep inside i love each and everyone of those cashews because it is fate and destiny that our paths crossed (my misfortune) and i might make some sort of a difference in their lives (their misfortune). Thank god for that, probably, otherwise i would have gotten my way and get my pretty mugshot printed in the papers. Sigh. Love and hate this job. *kiss name tag*
I love your comment, I really do – whoever you may be. It certainly is no bed of roses…but the day will come when you look back and think that it is all worthwhile – the little differences that hopefully, you would have made along the way. That’s what makes it different from many other jobs and even some of the others in the same profession – nothing or at least, not much to look back at and be thankful for…
It’s nice to be remembered. There is a Chinese saying that “being a teacher one day to someone for one day means a father to him/her for life”. Just imagine the great role of teachers! I salute you.
BTW, I also have one key chain exactly like yours, but of course, with my name engraved on, and even have a mug with my name on. I can not remember who gave me the key chain, but can remember who gave me the mug! Probably, like Dr M, I have selective memory too!
Well, in his own words, “Orang Melayu mudah lupa!” But then again, you’re not one of them and as it seems, neither is he! LOL!!! Ya…it is nice to be remembered…fondly!
This post will be great for Fernie to read, maybe she will change her mind and take up teaching next time… but then not everyone can become someone great like Arthur here… ahem! You are indeed very recognised for your efforts that had brought your students then to today’s great men.. Syabas!
You want her to be a teacher? Gosh! It seems that today’s teachers are on the brink of a breakdown – bogged down with work – all kinds of work EXCEPT teaching! Maybe it is not so bad in a primary school…especially a rural one! I know some who are quite happy to go there…and stay there. LOL!!!
I remember texting you a few years ago during Teacher’s Day saying that I wish I had teachers like you when I was in school for I think I would’ve been a much better student then. You’ve always been a very devoted and dedicated teacher, one that students would fondly remember many many years down the road. It is because of who you are, not just as a teacher or a tutor but also as a father and friend. It’s the stuff you’re made of, know what I’m sayin’…?
Thank you, thank you… Blush! Blush! LOL!!! That’s what I always tell Melissa – the degree is just a piece of paper, the passport to get it. What you will be – the kind of teacher you will become – will depend on who you are and not what paper qualifications and what honours you may have.
i owes rmbr whoever good to me n will appreciate them alot…
i heard a lot bout that fish but nvr try b4 n its very xpensive…the vege kind of oily…that tofu sure nice as i normaly heard the shop got homemade tofu i wil order to try out…
The irony of it all! On the hand, you drink beer by the crates!!! Don’t see the point in healthy eating if that is the case. Might as well go all the way! Tsk! Tsk!
Ah, teaching is indeed a calling and a talent, neither of which I possess.. I think I would sooner strangle my students and make the headlines
and for that I’ve always admired teachers if only for their greatest patience. You guys are the unsung heroes behind the greatest minds …. Salute!
Thanks. I have to agree that not everybody can be a teacher…or for that matter, not everybody with the paper qualifications can be one…much less, a good one!
I think you have good memory! Mixing a few names are fine. I was teaching toddler class Sunday School for almost 20 years and it is a joy to see them all grown up now. True that there was always up and down but that was a process to make us even better in our job as long as we don’t give up.
I always remember my secondary school Math teacher, Mr. Wong. Without him, my Math was down the drain. He was very good in his job. Also very strict!
Hang Yuh is a Mechanical Engineer here.
Ah! You know him? Nice boy! Find him a wife, quick!!! No nice girls in Miri kah? Hey! You’ve got a few daughters!!!! Hahahahahaha!!!!
Hahaha… my daughters? I have three beauties. They need to agree also.
Now, maybe I should ask him. I don’t actually know him but nevertheless I wrote him an e-mail this morning.
LOL
Hahahahaha!!! Good luck! Don;t forget my share of the “too-kha”! LOL!!!
Hello man of integrity. tat soon hock fish looks good! i was lookin forward to a good patin fish (but due to the lack of effort to find one), seems that i’d have to go to kapit liaw end of this year.
Patin? That’s quite easily available. Don’t really like it… A bit on the fatty side…and must not be the reared ones! Smelly sometime! Tapah would be a bit better, but I’m not a fan too. Well, you’ll have to wait till you come back home again. Didn’t know you’re into fish… Can have a fish party! A fish, I said…not a fishy party! Hahahahaha!!!!
Arthur Man of Intergrity indeed………it must have been very nice to chat up with your students, and indeed great knowing that many of them still remember you…………
It certainly is VERY nice. Makes it all the more rewarding being a teacher. Not many jobs/professions have things to look back on…and cherish throughout the rest of one’s life
Soon Yew, one of the best classmates i’ve had.
Yes, whoever you are. A very nice boy – didn’t teach him in school but he was in my tuition class and we became quite close through his involvement in the public speaking contests.
One of the reasons I was not keen on teaching is that students nowadays are very different from last time. Besides, I do not have the patience to teach. I can foresee my students being verbally abused and mentally tortured and my a$$ being sued left, right and center. Hahaha!
When I was applying to enter local universities, a lot of those keh kiang aunties (parents’ friends) said: “Apply to become a teacher lah! Cho sing seh jina eng eh! Got long year end holidays, gaji buta, work half day only, etc…” As much as those benefits entice me, teaching is just not my vocation.
Nowadays, when those keh kiang aunties saw me, they said: “Eh, why you didn’t apply education last time ar?” and went on to list down what they had said once upon a time *smack forehead* Oi, auntie, if it is so easy, why didn’t YOU go and teach then only come back to tell me it’s THAT easy?
The most successful educator is the one that makes a difference in his/her students’ life and he/she is remembered by the students for the rest of their lives. Now I cannot remember any of my teachers, at all! (Well, except maybe…Alan Leong – St Rita guru besar, Augustine – because he once gave me highest mark and he’s cute
& Stephen Tan and you, of course but you didn’t teach me in school)
Wah! Why your favourite teachers all the handsome ones…except me, of course – but then I didn’t actually teach you? Hahahahahaha!!!! I enjoyed teaching, didn’t think it was hard…but these days, I’m not too sure. Ill-disciplined students, lots of paperwork and all the effort and time-wasting stuff, teaching solely for passing exams…etc…etc…etc!
And the students’ English getting poorer by the day, their shallow mentality…their utter lack of general knowledge and things of the world… E.g. they have heard of Haiiti and earthquake and they do not know where it is and are not bothered to find out. In this cyber age….that is so shocking!
Gee….. the whole restaurant knows you. Hahaha, so popular, should stand in the next State Elections. Sure menang one!
But then again, integrity and politics just doesnt mix. hehe
Ya…ya…that was what my students told me! True, very true…they’re like the North Pole and the South Pole – worlds apart!
You are a good teacher, all your students remember you!
Soon Hock is good, I love the texture of the flesh. No fishy smell at all!
Of course there are some who remember me for not very nice things! Hehehehehe!!!! Ya…we enjoyed the fish very much.
I think I have met Hang Yuh before…
Yes, you met him when we went to Hai Bing for crabs – the one who was so amused by the things bloggers do – take photos of every dish! LOL! He wasn’t allergic then…and he’s still eligible. What about your friend, Cheryl? Vacancy still open? Wink! Wink!
Confirm still open. I told her not to date someone in the same field as herself because accountants are boring *runs fast fast before being kicked by KNB*
How to hook them up lar? (Hope she doesn’t read this) Hehehe!
I think I’ll suggest that they add one another as friends on Facebook. Go, give her a push…and we get to split the “too-kha”! Hahahahaha!!!!
how nice…
but i think that also means you are a nice teacher…bcos you cant imagine what i wish to do to some of my teachers who ill-treated us if i met them now…LOL
I know. I know many nice and sweet people…but they do not exploit their potential in the classroom as teachers! Real mean, some of them – totally different from who they really are! Of course, some are naturally ogres…those anybody would love to hate!
wow! You are a very famous teacher in Sibu! Seeing your students now into some professional and some married and with kids, looking at them, it’s like looking at your own kids, i am sure you feel so proud of them, right?
Soon hock, very yummy and expensive fish!! I think it is cheaper in Sibu compare to KL?
Ya…they’re just like my own kids. Sure proud that so many have made something out of their lives. Dunno whether that was expensive – I didn’t get to pay this time…
Huhu! More food! The egg is “fu yong tan” I think
. Being a teacher is a really huge reponsibility job. you all have done so much! It would be one of the best moment when you bumped into a student who used to be the naughtiest and today a professional… that feeling is great.
Dunno! It’s just omelette to me!…I was in a boys’ school and had some naughty boys – usually in an endearing way and most of them have done well. But I think generally they behaved pretty well in my presence. Who wouldn’t? Just looking at my shape and size would scare the living daylights out of them! Wuahahahahaha!!!!
I think you are like…a legend over there bro. I wish one day I can be like you too. :p
Keep at it…you may get there someday! Teach from the heart, they will respond to that!
Surprised or not to have students recognise you?
The Soon Hock really sedap leh but if order during CNy sure the price will be double
No, I would be surprised…or shocked, in fact…if they do not! I’m quite…let’s just say, unmistakable! Not many my shape and size! Hahahahahaha!!!! Double? Dunno…I didn’t pay! But usually good fish can get quite pricey…CNY or not.
*groan* I’ve been feeling so under the weather and you put up food. Sobsob…. now what am i going to do? So lazy to cook, so lazy go out… haizzz… why don’t they deliver good food like this?
When have you not been under the weather? Gosh! And you’ve a kid to take care off! Oh me oh my!!
Terrible, terrible weather. My boy was soaking wet with sweat when he came back from kindy today, and he definitely gave me hell cuz being under the weather made him feverish and also sore throat.
Global warming! It was really really bad in KL. I just stand by the pavement outside the hotel…and my sweat would drip onto the ground in big drops! Not so bad here…but it hasn’t rained for a few days now…and is getting a bit hot. Still bearable though…compared to KL!
If I were to remember you, I would remember you as a doting daddy, nothing less. LOL… Melissa is so lucky and blessed!
See my post tomorrow…
*looks at Cikgu suspiciously* It’s not a tear-jerker entry, right? Right? RIGHTTT???
Hahahahaha!!! No! No! Good news…happy news! LMAO!!!
I have a teacher that I remembered very well Taught me Kemahiran Hidup when I was in Form 3… and she remembered me too.
She’s my best friend’s mum, and til this very day, she not only treated me like her ex-student, but like one of her spoiled daughters as well. OMG, thinking about her makes me hungry. She always feeds me… and til this very day, still feeds me when she comes to visit! OMG, I am blessed, aren’t I? *grinZ* Wakakaka… not many teachers would do that for their students…wakakakakaka!
I think people remember those teachers who treat them not like a teacher…but a caring dad/mum or even a friend…full of concern and love and affection and they remember every little gesture, even those one would think most insignificant. Once a boy fractured his hand and I kaypo-kaypo gave him advice based on my own experience with my broken arm…and years later, he mentioned how it touched him and inspired him to be a better student and work harder…because it showed how I cared for him. Little things mean a lot…
LOL…true… i remembered most of my English teachers very well cuz they adore me. (so unlike maths teachers who thinks me as a nuisance!) but now, I only keep in touch with one. My best friend’s mum, who really duzzin treat me like a student, but like her own daughter. Ahahahaha! prolly becoz I’m same age as her dotter, that’s why treats me liddat. And God, she really can cook. *grinZ*
Yes, little things sometimes can touch people’s heart. you have no idea that sometimes the little things that we do, have so much impact on people’s lives.
Sad that many teachers are not sensitive to that! They would curse and swear and scold and insult them…with no respect whatsoever for their feelings…making them hate those teachers “to the bone”! And when we were standing there together as the students walked past, they wondered why they all greeted me…and treated them like they were non-existent!
You’re so blessed that so many of your students remember you and appreciate you. I wished you could be my teacher too! So did you like that Whittaker’s chocolate? it’s quite a famous brand.
Thank goodness you were not. I would be so distracted I would not be able to teach! Wink! Wink! Hehehehehe!!!! Well, I have not eaten it yet. Still desperately trying to finish the CNY cakes and cookies.
drink by the crates not healthy i noe but wat to do as i wana enjoy my life b4 go…life is short…now go i got nth to worry n burden…
Eat unhealthy food…also enjoy mah! Don’t want to come back as hungry ghost!
u cant enjoy as got 2 ladies waiting for u to feed sumore 1 of them now in NZ n havent start to feed herself…
Can leh…the NZ one eats little, I always have to sapu…that’s why so fat! The old one no need to feed lah, she can feed herself. LOL!!!
Whittaker’s is quite a famous chocolate brand in NZ. This is my first time visiting your blog after arriving in Wellington. Guess what? I woke up around 2am just to read the necessary readings for today’s afternoon lecture. Even now I am still reading it! Guess I am not used to their more advanced level of academic materials yet :S Can’t really relate what I am reading.
Gosh!!! Relax…take it easy. No need to read every word, just skim and scan and get the main idea/point – that’s enough. Later when writing out, use own words to convey the point/idea. Extensive reading…. I think our students can only do intensive reading as that’s the only thing they’re taught to do in school – when doing comprehension….and they do a lot of rote learning. Can’t do that at higher levels. Inadequate memory space – no external hard disk! LOL!!!
i think in a year u spend 3 months having dinner at the various restaurants around town LOL never short of invitations ….no worries STP…..we go out and makan again soon…..any new eateres around? Cheers!
Not that I know of. Will let you know if I hear of any new place that’s worth a try…