1. Diversity
I actually love the diversity we have in the
fellowship. We are all from diverse background and expertise. We are not only
different in terms of gender, race, religion and academic background; we are
also have different perspective in life. My upbringing and cultural setting
affects my perception to the world and people surrounding me. Everyone has
their own perception in viewing the world and themselves and this contribute to
the diversity.
Each individual see things in different
ways. For example, “LIFEISNOWHERE” can be interpreted as “Life Is Now Here” or
“Life Is No Where”. It really depends on individuals to look at it as positive
or negative view.
Another example, there’s one old lady on the roadside who wants to cross the
road. She is holding a walking stick and looking unsure to cross the busy road.
You as a citizen with big heart helped her to cross the road, walked with in
every step until both of you reach the other side of the road. You can see the
lady here as ‘ A blind old Chinese lady’ or ‘ A Lady Who Need My Help’.
I met a friend here who is cheerful and his
presence always brightens up the room. He seems to be the happiest person on
earth. We assume he has no trouble in his life and had it easy. Little that we
know he came from a struggling family, her mother only earned RM600 a month to
support the family. His mom did terrific job making sure all her children go to
university and lead a good life.
Each people have different perspectives and
life maps. Our first impressions are not necessarily true. We could have never
assumed what each people had gone through because we did not walk miles in
their moccasins. That is the beauty of life that we can treasure.
2. Hope
Why Do I Teach For Malaysia?
I probably have this quest coming my way hundreds time already.
Here it goes:
I Teach For Malaysia because I want to give sustainable impact to the
unfortunate children and create a better life trajectory for them. I teach
because I CARE. I am in the fellowship because I want to challenge myself and
grow personally & professionally. I chose the road less traveled.
I believe there is hope for every child to
attain excellent education. I hope there’s no more 16-year-old who is
illiterate and no one telling her she can be a better version of herself.
3. Humanity and
Forgiveness
We had a-day visit to Kajang Prison School. Despite of knowing they must
have different life stories on how they end up in the facility, to chat with
them personally still causes a heartbreak moment. I salute their optimism. Some
of them are sitting for SPM and will have a Majlis Restu Ilmu the next day. The
young offenders I talked to are very passionate in the class sessions. They
absolutely love the teachers who put so much trust and haven't lose hope on
them. Thus, they appreciate the second chance given which might have been better
than the situation they have gone through outside. They've come to the realizations
that no matter what their peers are doing/asking them to do, they have the
final say to decide. Watch what you're doing and know the CONSEQUENCES of their
actions. Some wish their family/teachers have told them that.
To live is to love, to serve, to
forgive. Love the One, love and serve humanity. To learn to love oneself and to
love is to learn to forgive.
4. Moving Out
of Comfort Zone
So we actually went to Pasar Besar Bentong this morning recruiting for
kem SKORlah. It is a FREE Math & English tuition class for Form1-Form4
students during this coming school holiday. The classes will be held in SMK
Ketari and SMK Kuala Repas. I have no idea where the schools are but it will be
like 20-30mins away from our resort. I really enjoyed it. I never imagined I
have to be a salesperson promoting to random people in the weekend market.
I always hate the salesgirl promoting products when I am trying to buy my
favorites in a supermarket. It is a new experience to find your
random-but-highly-potential customers. I tried to introduce myself in the
friendliest way possible (shake hand/salam with the aunties). How did they
responded to it? Pretty good. I think they liked me. *haha* Pitch for several
minutes, Stress on the keywords( FREE and breakfast/lunch provided
etc.) and able to get 3 signatures from the parents. I aim to get 10 *too
ambitious, I know*, talked to about 15 people (parents and teenagers), and
managed to get 3 successful registration for the tuition classes. Some of
them already registered,some of them only have small kids and some have limited
access to the tuition schools.
5. Learn by
Doing
We have a
chance to meet Dato’ Seri Idris Jala. He told us inspiring stories about
special teachers who made a difference in his life. He is from rural are in
Sarawak and one of few successful people to go to university from his clan. I
still remember his words about making a difference in the most difficult
situation. Imagine you are holding torchlight and shed some light into the
darkest room. The light give others hope
when they think there is none. Similarly, if we want to be a transformational
leader, go to the most difficult situation and make a difference there. It will
be a blessing to touch the hearts of others in need.
