Teaching is not a bed of roses. Rather, it's much prettier than that.

         Often regarded as one of the oldest and noblest professions in the world, teaching continues to be a career choice of those who wish to help children build their potential in various aspects. As we celebrate Teachers Day on 16 May, I wish to share my humble opinions on why challenges faced by teachers are chances for them to make a difference as they cherish the bittersweet moments in their career.

         As a teacher who has been in the profession for over a decade, I believe that chances and challenges would help with the career growth of every teacher. Frankly speaking, in the early years of teaching, I perceived problems as pain that would kill my patience and passion in educating the schoolchildren. But, as time goes by, I begin to realise that everything that makes or breaks my day at work is both a chance and a challenge for me to perform better as I learn to manage my emotional well-being. Experience is truly the best teacher.

         Needless to say, teaching is more than finishing the syllabus, preparing exercises for enrichment activities and grading papers. It is the study of human characters shaped by children’s social backgrounds and their special abilities. True teachers would be intrigued by unique personalities of pupils as the process of discovering the latter’s learning styles could be an exciting adventure. Chances are teachers will be surprised and enlightened by the findings that would create an opportunity for them to expand their creativity in teaching as they wish to cater the needs of different types of learners.

         However, the challenges may be greater when dealing with demotivated, disrespectful and delinquent pupils who might be too hard to handle. In this case, teachers may need to turn the judgemental thinking into an analytical one. In fact, this is how we do justice to children with struggles we may know nothing about. Indeed, it takes a second to judge a person but it takes a special strength to stop and think. Pupils who look frazzled and uninterested may suffer from sleep deprivation because they have to work to help their poor family. Those who fail to complete their homework may need to juggle between taking care of their ailing parents or younger siblings and catching up on the lessons. Those with bad attitude may come from a broken family and live a loveless life. These cases may be never-ending problems to teachers, but this is the time they take teaching to the next level and deal with the challenges smartly and heroically by saving and helping the problematic pupils, instead of hating or punishing them. This is also how teachers apply love, respect, happiness and humanity (LR2H) in educating the children.

         Teaching is not a bed of roses. It is a room full of beautiful flowers. And, with teachers’ unconditional love for teaching and learning, it will become a home for enthusiastic educators and lifelong learners.

 

A TRUE INSPIRATION

                                                            

    It is not every day that we get to hear the name of a Malaysian being announced as the winner at the Academy Awards, and the moment our country was mentioned in the acceptance speech was the icing on the cake, thanks to Michelle Yeoh, an international superstar, superhero and superwoman who made history at the Oscars.

 

    The much-awaited Oscar win has not only put Malaysia on the world map, but it has also taught us plenty of lessons.

 

    Indeed, it is never too late to accomplish goals in life. As a matter of fact, it takes nearly a century for the Academy to discover and acknowledge our local talents.   

 

    It was not an easy win for Michelle as she has been in the global film making industry for decades. Her inspiring career journey and success story should make us realise that facing challenges are inevitable and the best way to overcome them is by walking through and moving on no matter how hard it gets. With sheer determination and patience, there will come a time when our tears of triumphs would wash away all the pain and misery that come with us throughout our journey.

 

    Also, we need to enjoy the process instead of waiting for successes to happen. As the philosophical law of attraction suggests, positive thoughts would lead to positive results. It is important for us to grow a positive mindset and believe that something good is on its way. To accomplish our goals in a short time may make us a smart person who gains immediate satisfaction, but  to experience delayed gratification made of blood, sweat and tears would make us a wise one. A winner might take it all, but a true champion learns all the lessons and live a better life.

 

Everyone is blessed with a fair share of bittersweet moments in life. Behind the cheerful expressions and good appearance of a person, there may be struggles that we know nothing about. Figuratively speaking, a book may tell a mind-blowing story, but some pages may be torn and dusty, distracting readers’ attention and affecting their levels of interest, but the beautiful ending makes them forget about all the challenging chapters faced in the process of reading. This is why we need to trust the process, focus on what really matters and avoid being judgmental. With this healthy mindset, it would be no surprise that someday, somebody from our homeland would win a Nobel Prize, making us all feel overwhelmed, just like the country’s sweetheart Michelle Yeoh did.

 

 

 

 LET’S TAKE A BREAK

 

We all need to take a break from work, studies and everything else that makes us feel frazzled. The world will never stop keeping us busy so it depends on our smart strategy to ensure that we are physically, mentally and spiritually healthy as we strive for work-life balance.

I have been a workaholic for a long time and I believe many out there share the same boat with me. Sometimes, we need to compromise our health and happiness as we are snowed under with work even on weekends. Despite the fact that the efforts eventually paid off with awards and recognitions, one would still wonder if the entire process was actually worth it and healthy.

As I decided to slow down and take one thing at a time, I was blessed with a new friend who helped me enjoy life all over again. Off days were no more about perfecting some work as sharing stories over a good meal and going to the cinema sounded like better options. It was wonderful to experience the friendly gestures of handshakes and hugs once again when I almost forgot about the power of human touch and its ability to heal a weary heart and a worrying mind. Needless to say, it felt way better than the times I laid my hands on papers and computers while completing some work. Amazingly, the shared moments with a dear friend helped me with my anxiety and overthinking, and nobody would trade this peaceful state of mind for anything. This positive energy gave me freedom and confidence money couldn’t buy.

 

At times, life can be so serious, forcing us to be too hard on ourselves. But, let’s not miss the excitement of living meaningfully by connecting with those who would make us feel comfortable to open up. Funnily enough, we should thank those who have made us chuckle or burst into laughter with their silly jokes and playful behaviours, as they have successfully distracted our minds and helped us escape from never-ending worries and problems. And that’s what makes life strangely beautiful.

THE TWO WONDERFUL GIFTS

                                                                          2022

    The year 2022 may have been a roller-coaster ride for many while others enjoy a smooth sailing journey. However it has been, we have all made it to the final month, according to the Gregorian calendar.

    In 2017, researchers Professor Joseph Le Doux and Richard Brown conclude that emotions are not innately programmed into our brain, but, in fact, are cognitive states resulting from the gathering of information. As normal human beings, it is nearly impossible for us to look back without being emotional as we think about how far we have come and how things have happened. Arguably speaking, when the end of the year comes, it is not about a happy or sad ending of yet another chapter in our life. Rather, it is about a blessed journey that tests us with challenges that come with hidden lessons.

    Oftentimes, challenges and lessons are associated with ordeals or tragedies. Friends, family and even strangers would tell us to stay strong and patient when we fail in examinations, get divorced or lose a loved one, for instance. Little do we realise that those experiencing euphoric moments are challenged too, although in a different way. It is a challenge for those who excel in studies to stay humble despite achieving something truly impressive after trying so hard. Those who get married need to contain their excitement instead of bragging about their perfect partners, believing that they are lucky in love, unlike certain people. And, those welcoming a newborn need to be sensitive and avoid making cynical or hurtful remarks that could offend childless married couples as the jokes are not funny. In short, overcoming challenges and passing the life tests with flying colours are about having self-control, empathy, maturity as well as respect towards others.   

      We should be grateful that we were born with two wonderful gifts; a mind to think and a heart to feel. Analogically speaking, when we receive  a present from somebody as a symbol of celebration or appreciation, it proves that we are someone special in the person’s life. Knowing this fact, we will cherish the present and use it well. Likewise, God would want us to enjoy and utilise the gifts by having a kind heart and a beautiful mind as we show our gratitude. This is a perfect reason for us to choose wise thinking over overthinking and reacting over overreacting. When discussing certain issues on social media or having a face-to-face conversation, we may feel temporarily satisfied after over-expressing our thoughts and emotions that could cause disharmony and misunderstandings, but it is just how life tests and tricks us with its game. Falling into the trap means failing the test. We have lost the game and regret would be the aftermath after the damage is done.

     Being the champion does not mean that we never make mistakes. It means that we strive to stay on the right track in this winding journey of life.     

  

 

 

 

 

TOURISM (We Can Keep Tourists Happy)

Travellers visit countries they find intriguing, exciting and unique. For decades, Malaysia has been praised for its beauty while the people are described as polite and helpful. The country's diverse cultures have attracted many foreign tourists. Travellers leave with happy memories after visiting the nation's beaches, islands and mountains. Our landmarks, too, are well known across the world. In a nutshell, Malaysia, in the eyes of foreigners, is special and visiting the country is worth their time, money and energy.

But, with the lack of maintenance and budget cuts, how do we ensure that our tourism tale ends happily?

There are several ways to maintain our reputation as a top destination for travellers.

            To boost the tourism industry, we need to continue providing excellent service to tourists. Our guides should be friendly and helpful. This attitude will mirror our personality and quality of workers. Mountain guides who had helped victims of the Sabah earthquake in June should serve as an inspiration to other guides.

            We need to promote our universities to attract more international students. Apart from giving the opportunity to local and international students to mix and share ideas, these foreign students will help the country’s economic growth.  

            As we attract and expect others to come and contribute financially to our country, it is also essential for us to visit domestic destinations. It is not nice for us to go overseas and return to brag and compare, while forgetting that Malaysia has plenty to offer.   

Courtesy of New Sunday Times

16 August 2015

PRESERVATION (Work Together to Stop the 'Nature-Haters')

                There has been much talk about how activities that destroy nature and affect public health have been actively and illegally taking place in several states in the country, turning the once scenic panorama into a sorry sight. The public has been forced to face the consequences of the actions by the irresponsible and the heartless. Some vent their anger and frustration in social media and in coffee shops, while others write letters to complain and suggest solutions. It is a frightening and flabbergasting fact that money can be so powerful and poisonous that it makes one blind to the consequences.   

            Despite constant efforts put in by parents, educators, environmentalists and authorities in making their children, students and the community realise the importance of  appreciating, loving and preserving nature, it has been ineffective. Thus, I feel that these groups of people should work hand in hand to produce collective ideas and effective planning to stop the violence against nature and defend everyone’s rights to live in a pollution-free environment.

            Everyone should also reflect on the meaningful lyrics of Earth Song by the late Michael Jackson : “What have we done to the world, Look what we’ve done” with regret and disappointment. Sadly, some people fail to get the message as they believe that “ignorance is bliss”. Such individuals may only be a small number but their selfish actions affect the entire nation. Illegal logging, bauxite mining, deforestation and land conversion are activities that cause air, water and land pollution, as well as natural disasters, including floods, flash floods and landslides. When these activities are not controlled, global warming and haze will take place, resulting in the spread of various illnesses.

            At the end of the day, it is a person’s awareness, initiatives and willingness to change that makes the world a better place to live. Age, profession and social status do not determine one’s maturity, sensitivity and rationality in their decisions and actions. It is a shame that some highly educated people are those who cause environmental problems. They think that happiness and success is determined by how deep their pockets are. When money conquers the human mind, the people end up becoming unwise, greedy, obsessed and ridiculous.

            In his poem The Dead Crow, A Samad Said expressed his deep sorrow, concern and fear of the uncertain and hazy future of the next generation. The environmental degradation and severe pollution will eventually make humans, animals and plants suffer. Disharmony and discomfort of living are, unfortunately, the price people pay for the heinous and unjustified acts of nature-haters.

            Some green-eyed monsters are just jealous with our lush greenery and beautiful nature that they turn the water colour red and fill the air with dust, dirt and smoke. Let us pray that the rainbow will still appear tomorrow and give us hope. 

Courtesy of New Straits Times

August 15, 2015

YOUTH DAY (Youth Will Fight Tooth and Nail to Excel)

            Every year, Aug 12 is marked by the United Nations as International Youth Day, which focuses on the roles of youth in national and global development.

            Malaysia established the Rakan Muda programme in the 1990s to encourage youth to participate in programmes that will shape them into united, exemplary and skilled youngsters. This programme was rebranded early this year with the focus on developing creativity and talents of young people. It is hoped that this programme will also prepare youth for leadership.

            Youth should ask themselves if they have done enough for their country and community, whether they cause problems or create solutions, and whether their attitudes and behaviours are in line with what the country aims to produce. But somehow, there will be bad apples who tarnish the image of the country, family and themselves. That may be inevitable, but it does not mean that it is okay for the number of offenders to keep growing. As Aristotle said: “Good habits formed at youth make all the difference”. 

            In realising the dream of producing quality youths, it is essential for all parties to support them by appreciating and acknowledging their future powers, and that it is worth trying their ideas even when their suggestions and plans do not guarantee immediate effects.

            Young creative, intellectual, holistic and global minds are nurtured at school, home and work. Given that all children are born with hidden potential, it is important to note that everyone has the ability and opportunity to make a change, including the disabled, the dropouts and the underprivileged. No one is an exception. As long as parents, guardians, teachers, colleagues and bosses encourage, motivate, inspire and believe in them, they will be motivated to think outside the box and take challenges fearlessly and confidently.

            Regardless of how simple their contributions, their efforts and courage deserve everyone’s appreciation. Some young geniuses may come up with creative innovations, while others may participate in community service and health, environmental or safety campaigns. In fact, they can become facilitators or speakers of motivational programmes to encourage youth to strive for excellence and make society proud. Above all, they should be reminded to not adopt unhealthy lifestyles, which will kill their minds and souls.

            Many youth have made history and brought glory to the country. At 21, Captain James Anthony Tan flew solo around the world in 48 days. Muhammad Muqharabbin made headlines when he climbed Mount Everest at 22. In squash, Nicol Ann David became World No.1 at 23. These great achievements should inspire youths to go the extra mile to achieve their dreams.

Hopefully, there will be more youth with extraordinary skills, spirit and talent to contribute to the country and change the world.

Courtesy of New Straits Times

August 12, 2015