Headhunted

I've been getting some offers lately from some private institutions.

I could teach in a private school, or even be a lecturer at a college if I want... I can have all these before I even get my degree.

Which makes me wonder... what kind of standards do these institutions have?

Yes, I went to Marjon and am potentially getting a very prestigious degree from Exeter University. But I don't have it yet... I haven't even proven myself in this career. And to be offered such a position with such great pay and benefits without having to do anything is mind-boggling.

Just because someone has a degree doesn't make them good at what they do. Training, experience, and the willingness to go the distance is what makes someone good at what they do. Not a piece of paper. And while that piece of paper proves that you have gone through the gruelling demands that life in uni has placed upon you, it isn't enough...

Don't get me wrong, I am flattered to be sought after. I am glad to receive such offers. But the whole incident kind of brings out a niggling doubt in me about the credibility of these private institutions. What quality of education that they are providing for their students, if they accept, and seek after just about anyone with a relevent degree, sans training to teach their students?

Anyway, I've turned down the offers.

Because I believe in giving back what has been given to me. In helping those who need it most. In being the difference that makes the difference. Who, what, where would I be today had all the amazing teachers who taught me back in my primary and secondary days selfishly left our schools for a fatter paycheck and better benefits? The really good ones stay in service, because they know that now, more than ever, theres a need for dedicated, committed teachers to nurture our young ones... especially those who need it the most in our public schools.

I am attached to a school where the students come vastly different socio-economic backgrounds. There are the very rich students who have everything they want, and there are also kids from squatter areas surrounding Bandar Utama. I love my students all the same, but I find that I worry less about the rich kids than I do about my less fortunate kids because I know that they have a support system and don't really need me, because I know that they're grounded, they're allright.

I worry more about my less fortunate students. I try to be there for them more, because some of them come from abusive backgrounds, or are generally neglected because they've got busy parents and/or too many siblings. And with no one there to guide them, to instill values and generally nurture their personalities and build their characters, I worry that they will lose their way and get into trouble, because they don't know any better. Which is why I try to develop their self-worth, to emphasise the importance of having 'maruah diri', and to never do anything that they, their parents, or anyone who care about them, would be ashamed of.

And who better to do it than teachers? I cannot think of any single other profession with such power to make such a difference in not just the lives of others, but also the future of a society and nation.

I've been given so much, been blessed with such wonderful people around me, who have helped me and groomed me to realise my potential to be all that I can be.

I think it's about time that I do my part and give something back and do the same for others.