Reach Phuket at 2pm (Thailand Time), however, only reach accomodation at 4pm.
First Impression, like a lazy Malaysia town at first. But, when near to Patong Beach, the scene comes alive.
Night time should be more happening. Can see people setting up night market. Shall go check it out now.
Sunday, December 20
Tuesday, December 1
Going out with my tuition Kid
Went out with Darris today.
I have taught Darris ever since he was Primary 4. I still rmb when i first saw him, he was slithering on thbe floor,acting like a snake. Hahah... How time flies.. Now, he had already finish PSLE and looks down on childish behaviour.
He scored very good results with all As and Distinction in Mathematics! As a reward, I decide to treat him to something good. Hence, with his mum's permission, I brought him out for a movie.
However, upon reaching The Cathay, he cant find a movie that he wanted to watch. He suddenly suggested Arcade... Hhahah... Kids, being Kids. Hence, brought him to Downtown East to play at the huge arcade there...
I bought a $10 card and we went to survey the ground. It was mediocre and only a few games that both of us are interested in. Competed in a car racing game and i lost!
Next, we found a game that uses a lot of force and can vent watever you have inside u. Basically, just bang and bang on the machine. The result is just sore arms and lots and lots of tickets...
Darris decide that he was aiming for the cheapo soccer ball which cost about 630 points. Hence, we worked towards that... I spent $40 and he spent $10 on working towards that 'cheapo' ball... lol...
Ok la, in the end, we got what we wantd and even managed to redeem another 3 cans of soft frinks at 43 points each...
Following that, we went to cure our hungry stomach. We went pass Seoul Garden and was looking at the price. Then I turn around and ask Darris whether he wants to eat at this outlet or not. He jus very softly say "don wan unless u are treating", haha... He left onli about $5... OK la, I treat him to Seoul Garden lo, cos he like very poor thing... Want to eat there but no money.
Dinner was quite enjoyable... Ate quite a bit of things and chat quite a lot.
这就是我所向往的目的。教书，不只是麻木地灌溉知识给这群幼苗。教书也是一种人与人之间的一种满足感。虽然在教他补习的时候，我所收他的学费不多但我所得到的满足感却超出了金钱所能衡量的。
打个比方，新年的时候。他的妈妈说三文鱼买得太大条了，所以分了一些给我。所以，第二次去他家得时候，我买了一些干粮和橘子去他家。补习之后，他的外公还给了我一份$60元的大红包，而他的妈妈也给了我一份$20元的红包。我不是因为他们给了我两份大红包而喜欢他，而是我知道他们懂得感激。
教师节时，Darris也亲自做了一些cookies给我。虽然费用不高，但也是一份真诚的感谢。后来，连过中秋节时，我也给了他们一盒月饼。
这个补习学生，提醒了我为什么要加入这一行。
接下来的几天，我也会和几个小六生出去。这样的师生关系，才是我所想得到的，而不止是停留在教书和读书的阶段。
I have taught Darris ever since he was Primary 4. I still rmb when i first saw him, he was slithering on thbe floor,acting like a snake. Hahah... How time flies.. Now, he had already finish PSLE and looks down on childish behaviour.
He scored very good results with all As and Distinction in Mathematics! As a reward, I decide to treat him to something good. Hence, with his mum's permission, I brought him out for a movie.
However, upon reaching The Cathay, he cant find a movie that he wanted to watch. He suddenly suggested Arcade... Hhahah... Kids, being Kids. Hence, brought him to Downtown East to play at the huge arcade there...
I bought a $10 card and we went to survey the ground. It was mediocre and only a few games that both of us are interested in. Competed in a car racing game and i lost!
Next, we found a game that uses a lot of force and can vent watever you have inside u. Basically, just bang and bang on the machine. The result is just sore arms and lots and lots of tickets...
Darris decide that he was aiming for the cheapo soccer ball which cost about 630 points. Hence, we worked towards that... I spent $40 and he spent $10 on working towards that 'cheapo' ball... lol...
Ok la, in the end, we got what we wantd and even managed to redeem another 3 cans of soft frinks at 43 points each...
Following that, we went to cure our hungry stomach. We went pass Seoul Garden and was looking at the price. Then I turn around and ask Darris whether he wants to eat at this outlet or not. He jus very softly say "don wan unless u are treating", haha... He left onli about $5... OK la, I treat him to Seoul Garden lo, cos he like very poor thing... Want to eat there but no money.
Dinner was quite enjoyable... Ate quite a bit of things and chat quite a lot.
这就是我所向往的目的。教书，不只是麻木地灌溉知识给这群幼苗。教书也是一种人与人之间的一种满足感。虽然在教他补习的时候，我所收他的学费不多但我所得到的满足感却超出了金钱所能衡量的。
打个比方，新年的时候。他的妈妈说三文鱼买得太大条了，所以分了一些给我。所以，第二次去他家得时候，我买了一些干粮和橘子去他家。补习之后，他的外公还给了我一份$60元的大红包，而他的妈妈也给了我一份$20元的红包。我不是因为他们给了我两份大红包而喜欢他，而是我知道他们懂得感激。
教师节时，Darris也亲自做了一些cookies给我。虽然费用不高，但也是一份真诚的感谢。后来，连过中秋节时，我也给了他们一盒月饼。
这个补习学生，提醒了我为什么要加入这一行。
接下来的几天，我也会和几个小六生出去。这样的师生关系，才是我所想得到的，而不止是停留在教书和读书的阶段。
Monday, November 30
Countdown
Today Monday already...
5 days later, starting from tomorrow, I will be leading a group of largely first time volunteers to Laos..
Somehow, i feel this great burden on me. Many of them are volunteers going overseas for the first time and this first experience might jus decide whether they will continue to do so or jus let this exp be their first and last time. If I forget something or nvr plan something, it will just add on to the frustration of all the group members and might led to them not going on overseas service-learning trips anymore.
Only recently did I realise that I carry on this burden as a leader.
Hours are counting down and as days goes by, my confidence level gets lower and lower. Taking on such an important role, even though I don know whether I am up to it or not.....
5 days later, starting from tomorrow, I will be leading a group of largely first time volunteers to Laos..
Somehow, i feel this great burden on me. Many of them are volunteers going overseas for the first time and this first experience might jus decide whether they will continue to do so or jus let this exp be their first and last time. If I forget something or nvr plan something, it will just add on to the frustration of all the group members and might led to them not going on overseas service-learning trips anymore.
Only recently did I realise that I carry on this burden as a leader.
Hours are counting down and as days goes by, my confidence level gets lower and lower. Taking on such an important role, even though I don know whether I am up to it or not.....
Saturday, November 28
Emotional Coastal Ride
Ever since Wednesday evening, its had been a emotional coastal ride for me.
25 November 2009 (Wednesday)
As lying on my bed watching Animal Planet, suddenly remember that tmr is the PSLE result releasing day. The stress start to creep up on me. The many 'what if' slowly flood my thoughts. What if.... What if...... What if...... Fell asleep only in the early morning.
26 November 2009 (Thursday)
Reach school in the morning. Saw the results. 5 of my F subj students didnt pass chinese. Though it doesnt matter as chinese is not counted as part of the result, i still felt as if I let the school down. Last year was a whooping 100% pass and this year is only 75% pass, I felt very down and depressed. However, i still put on a strong front and act as if nothing happen. However, deep inside, I was thinking about how others will think. Am I really that lousy?
Saw all the P6 pupils and tons of pupils in the hall, all waiting for the release of results. Some were smiling and some were nervous.
All went back to the classrooms to get their results. Some were happy when they got their results but some broke down immediately upon receiving the news.
One student got my attention. B was smiling all the way till the moment he got his result. He was retained. His smile went away immediately and became silent. He went back to his seat and tears start to drop. I knew him for two years and this is the first time i saw his tears drop. Never had i imagine that he could be so disappointed. Nomatter how i console him, his tears flowed like a stream.
Looking outside, i saw WH standing there,looking in. His eyes were also red and before long, his tears start to flow as well. He went to askhim what happen.. He said that he cried because he felt sad for B and as well as he coundlt bear to leave the school ,after 6 years of studying. Truthly speaking, at the point of time, I felt like crying as well.
The Prem asked me over. I was thinking why she called me in a rush. Then i went into the classroom and saw M trying to grab hold of E. E was inconsolable cos he was scared that his Dad might jus give him a good beating. He even thought of committing suicide. Reading this, you might feel that he is just acting. But if you were on the scene, you will know that he actually meant it. But finally, he managed to cool down and we managed to call his mum to speak on the phone with him. After a long while, i released my hold on him. Felt very anggry at his mum for treating him like this.
In the afternoon, realised that I forgot to order the YEP t-shirt while on the way to NCHS to deliver the cheques. Hence, had to return back to school to order the shirts. After which, had to go to NUH to buy the group medicine and then to IMM to buy First Aid kit.
27 Novenber 2009 (Friday)
Went for tuition in the afternoon then followed by badminton with WH, B, SJ and JY. It was raining soon after and hence, did just managed to play for a while. I managed to had a short talk with B. He admitted that he initially had confidence that he will pass PSLE. Hence, was very disappointed and angry with himself that he didnt managed to pass. He said that this was a good wake up call for him and he had to put in more efforts in his studies. Hopefully, he really woke up.
Had a a short talk with WH as well. He was happy that he managed to pass but he got real down when he talked about leaving the school. His eyes got red again. When i taught him at P5 initially, i nvr thought that he can become so emotional. Haiz... How time flies and children mature... I even made a pact with WH and B to celebrate Xmas next year, cos this year I celebrating Xmas in Phuket. Hahah.. Hope this pact can come to pass....
25 November 2009 (Wednesday)
As lying on my bed watching Animal Planet, suddenly remember that tmr is the PSLE result releasing day. The stress start to creep up on me. The many 'what if' slowly flood my thoughts. What if.... What if...... What if...... Fell asleep only in the early morning.
26 November 2009 (Thursday)
Reach school in the morning. Saw the results. 5 of my F subj students didnt pass chinese. Though it doesnt matter as chinese is not counted as part of the result, i still felt as if I let the school down. Last year was a whooping 100% pass and this year is only 75% pass, I felt very down and depressed. However, i still put on a strong front and act as if nothing happen. However, deep inside, I was thinking about how others will think. Am I really that lousy?
Saw all the P6 pupils and tons of pupils in the hall, all waiting for the release of results. Some were smiling and some were nervous.
All went back to the classrooms to get their results. Some were happy when they got their results but some broke down immediately upon receiving the news.
One student got my attention. B was smiling all the way till the moment he got his result. He was retained. His smile went away immediately and became silent. He went back to his seat and tears start to drop. I knew him for two years and this is the first time i saw his tears drop. Never had i imagine that he could be so disappointed. Nomatter how i console him, his tears flowed like a stream.
Looking outside, i saw WH standing there,looking in. His eyes were also red and before long, his tears start to flow as well. He went to askhim what happen.. He said that he cried because he felt sad for B and as well as he coundlt bear to leave the school ,after 6 years of studying. Truthly speaking, at the point of time, I felt like crying as well.
The Prem asked me over. I was thinking why she called me in a rush. Then i went into the classroom and saw M trying to grab hold of E. E was inconsolable cos he was scared that his Dad might jus give him a good beating. He even thought of committing suicide. Reading this, you might feel that he is just acting. But if you were on the scene, you will know that he actually meant it. But finally, he managed to cool down and we managed to call his mum to speak on the phone with him. After a long while, i released my hold on him. Felt very anggry at his mum for treating him like this.
In the afternoon, realised that I forgot to order the YEP t-shirt while on the way to NCHS to deliver the cheques. Hence, had to return back to school to order the shirts. After which, had to go to NUH to buy the group medicine and then to IMM to buy First Aid kit.
27 Novenber 2009 (Friday)
Went for tuition in the afternoon then followed by badminton with WH, B, SJ and JY. It was raining soon after and hence, did just managed to play for a while. I managed to had a short talk with B. He admitted that he initially had confidence that he will pass PSLE. Hence, was very disappointed and angry with himself that he didnt managed to pass. He said that this was a good wake up call for him and he had to put in more efforts in his studies. Hopefully, he really woke up.
Had a a short talk with WH as well. He was happy that he managed to pass but he got real down when he talked about leaving the school. His eyes got red again. When i taught him at P5 initially, i nvr thought that he can become so emotional. Haiz... How time flies and children mature... I even made a pact with WH and B to celebrate Xmas next year, cos this year I celebrating Xmas in Phuket. Hahah.. Hope this pact can come to pass....
Monday, November 23
Thoughts
Today just have the P6 Prom.
I was seated next to 6C. I realised though i didnt teach 6C this year, I was closer to them as compared to my 6K whom I was teaching this year. I was joking and laughing with them and hanging around with them.
NW was taking the initiative to interact with me, which is something new as compared to when i met him the first time last year. He actually says to both AL and me that he will miss the both of ud. And we could really sense that he really meant what he says from his eyes. This appreciation are really the rewards that I joined this service for. Not the monetary, but the ones that money cant buy.
R and E was asking me today what will happen if I take F subj next year again. They were actually quite shocked to hear theat i will request to leave the sch if I am assigned to F subj again. They always thought that I am coping well this year and is able to control.
But the fact is, I felt really demoralised teach F subj. I drag myself to work whenever I have class with F subj. I no longer felt the eagerness to interact with the kids. Whatever i showed, was just to overcome the demoralised feeling I have deep inside me. What passion do you have when u practically have to drag yourself out of bed almost everyday?
Opting for another pasture might seem like a coward act to others but I seriously cant take it. I am a person that is not comfortable with moving to an unfamiliar place but if this goes on, that leaves me with no choice. The feel I get from the working place is that once they find that you are able to cope with his environment, you are doomed for this environment. I caanot see myself in this environment for long. If i continue to let this go on for years, it will be a matter of time before it breaks.
But anyway, back to happier thoughts. I felt good that that 6C still remembers me though i didnt taught them for one year alr. I felt appreciated when they take the initiative to say hi to me and treat me as their confidate. This is my motivation, for staying on....
I was seated next to 6C. I realised though i didnt teach 6C this year, I was closer to them as compared to my 6K whom I was teaching this year. I was joking and laughing with them and hanging around with them.
NW was taking the initiative to interact with me, which is something new as compared to when i met him the first time last year. He actually says to both AL and me that he will miss the both of ud. And we could really sense that he really meant what he says from his eyes. This appreciation are really the rewards that I joined this service for. Not the monetary, but the ones that money cant buy.
R and E was asking me today what will happen if I take F subj next year again. They were actually quite shocked to hear theat i will request to leave the sch if I am assigned to F subj again. They always thought that I am coping well this year and is able to control.
But the fact is, I felt really demoralised teach F subj. I drag myself to work whenever I have class with F subj. I no longer felt the eagerness to interact with the kids. Whatever i showed, was just to overcome the demoralised feeling I have deep inside me. What passion do you have when u practically have to drag yourself out of bed almost everyday?
Opting for another pasture might seem like a coward act to others but I seriously cant take it. I am a person that is not comfortable with moving to an unfamiliar place but if this goes on, that leaves me with no choice. The feel I get from the working place is that once they find that you are able to cope with his environment, you are doomed for this environment. I caanot see myself in this environment for long. If i continue to let this go on for years, it will be a matter of time before it breaks.
But anyway, back to happier thoughts. I felt good that that 6C still remembers me though i didnt taught them for one year alr. I felt appreciated when they take the initiative to say hi to me and treat me as their confidate. This is my motivation, for staying on....
Friday, November 20
Catching Up
Yesterday, went to meet up with some of my former students.
It was quite impromtu. Was coming out from the Gents then saw them loitering around the compound. They called out to me and hence, went to join them. After a few mins of senseless talking, we decide to ajourn to Mac to chat somemore.
Upon arriving at Mac, saw serveral others. We ordered our own food (luckily they nvr ask me to treat) and sat down to chit chat.
Talked about a number of things. From one end of the world to the other. Felt that they have really matured a lot. We even talked about sensitive issues of feelings and emotions which i felt was quite amazing.
We sat there for about 2 hours. Even saw another stuents' mum who treat us to 3 packets of fries! Hahah... So nice of her!
Reflecting....
Isnt this what I have been looking forward to ? Isnt this my motivating factor for joining the service? Fights and tugs has made me lost my track and now, I suddenly found back the rightful track again. To empower others, to biuld rapport, to make new friends...........
It was quite impromtu. Was coming out from the Gents then saw them loitering around the compound. They called out to me and hence, went to join them. After a few mins of senseless talking, we decide to ajourn to Mac to chat somemore.
Upon arriving at Mac, saw serveral others. We ordered our own food (luckily they nvr ask me to treat) and sat down to chit chat.
Talked about a number of things. From one end of the world to the other. Felt that they have really matured a lot. We even talked about sensitive issues of feelings and emotions which i felt was quite amazing.
We sat there for about 2 hours. Even saw another stuents' mum who treat us to 3 packets of fries! Hahah... So nice of her!
Reflecting....
Isnt this what I have been looking forward to ? Isnt this my motivating factor for joining the service? Fights and tugs has made me lost my track and now, I suddenly found back the rightful track again. To empower others, to biuld rapport, to make new friends...........
Saturday, November 14
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