Few months back

This are my writings when I was working as a replacement teacher at Sek. Keb. Seberang Tayor a few months ago. I have some free times during the time and I wrote some notes just for fun. Recently I just found this note and decided to put it up here. Sweet memories are meant to be kept.

29th July 2009
Today is my third day of 'teaching'. Well, not exactly teaching. The students are having the every-two-months exams, the OTI. I don't quite remember what OTI stands for. I was in one of the earlier batches who had been introduced with this state-synchronized exams years ago. To me, it was and still a good idea. It would make the works of those in authority over these kids education a lot easier. At least, it would be possible to note any troubled schools and extra attentions can be brought to the school. I must say it is a good effort done by the state educational department (We call them PPT here. It stands for Pejabat Pendidikan Terengganu).

I must admit dealing with kids aged 10 - 12 is quite difficult. For people that lacks communication skills like me, it is already hard enough to start a conversation what more to make it interesting. However, they are kids. The fact that I'm comfortable being around them does help me and it is getting easier. My bro, who is now 11, doesn't speak to me the way these kids do. Of course, I'm his older bro. There are some respects, some affections, but it is in totally different way than what these kids at school give me.

Teaching. Since the exams lasts until this Thursday, I won't be doing any of them this week. My first official class will start on Sunday (In the East Part of Peninsular Malaysia, the week starts on Sunday instead of Monday. Likewise, weekend starts on Friday). As for now, I haven't been given the exact timetable yet. However, I know I'll be teaching Malay Language to Standard 4 and Science to Standard 5. Teaching Science is cool because I have the idea of what it is. Malay Language? I have no idea. But since it is for standard 4, I don't think I would have any real problem.

30th July 2009
Some people don't really appreciate their primary school teachers. I'd think I'm one of them but I hope I'm wrong. I still remember a few teachers' names and visited a few of them (actually just one, and that is Cikgu Fazidah Hanim! HAH! You're bad student, Raf!)

Haha I felt bad. When we were at the canteen this morning, the teachers, Cikgu Siti, Cikgu Azman and Cikgu Khairul talked about how their grown up students greet them. It's quite funny. Mostly, the ones that they scolded the most back then greet them in the most friendly way. The ones that were quiet back then surprisingly don't want to greet their teachers at all!

While we at it, the teachers brought up the stories about the bright students with troubled families. Althought not so many, it is sad to know how a kid's life can be destroyed at that earlier stage of life where this is the time the kid needs help the most. Some parents are drug addicts, some are just irresponsible, and worst, some just don't care. The stories so much reminds me of myself and I hope I'd change, god willing.

This writing will be dull without a line or two about basketball eh? hehe Due to the worsen level of spreadness of Influenza A (H1N1) among the students, most universities and colleges across the country are having about a week break. Unrelatedly, my friends are here at Kemaman so I got a bunch of people to ball with :D Since the public basketball court was replaced with a goddam hall (as far as I know, there is no basketball court inside), the only place to ball now is at Taman Muhibah. Normally there are only Chinese, and thick-faced me playing there. I have no idea how it happens but the Chinese are pretty comfortable of having us there and pretty welcoming. Sweet country! I don't know what's wrong with me, but I just don't play very well at this moment. Having too long break at home is the excuse as usual.

All the smiling faces - bright sunny days

It's for the best. Thanks God for this. I'm willing to take this, honestly and sincerely.

For you, I'll work out my way to that stop.

Waf Raf Waf!