Ever since I started teaching here in hedcen, I’ve always looked forward to Teacher’s day. Because on that day, students give you so many things – gifts, letters, cards, and even sweets. But since it’s usually celebrated together with the school’s foundation day, it sometimes takes a back seat. This year, however, it was different.
Since it was decided earlier that teacher’s day this year would be celebrated differently from the foundation day, it was moved to February. I guess, as a result, students are more into the the event than usual.
As a matter of fact, earlier this morning I was greeted by my advisory class with a sweet, almost cheesy, and close to tear-jerking surprise. They called me out from the teachers’ lounge to a spot near the garden where they formed a semi-circle. Then, one by one, they took out letters and read them aloud to me – letters that contained messages of apologies, appreciation, and love. For a brief moment, I struggled to find the words to say. I didn’t know what I wanted to tell them. Sorry? Thank you! I love you guys too! Nothing came out because I wanted to say all of them at once… and more, so much more in fact…
To them, I wanted to say I’m sorry for not being able to bring out the best in all of you, or for not being there all the time to listen to you that’s why you sometimes feel the need to tell someone else first before me, or for not inspiring you enough to follow your own good paths, for all my shortcomings as a teacher, as an adviser, and as a mentor.
To them, I wanted to say thank you for the laughter despite all the tension and pressure I give you, for your efforts to change and do good, for your effort to make me laugh, and for all your funny antics.
To them, I wanted to say I love you guys too. Although I wasn’t able to show it that much, I do. And if I chose to be hard on you that’s only because I thought that tough love is what you needed to bring out the best in you.
I wanted to say so many things but I was struggling with how to put them into words. So instead I replied with a quick retort. That was so sweet. That’s exactly why I want you all to stay in first year. Little did they know, I just didn’t want tears to show that’s why I chose to laugh instead. Luckily, they laughed too.