To Sir with Love

Sir..

That's what my students would call me.

A strange title as in an English speaking country, it would mean nobility, but in Malaysia, it is a title usually reserved for male lecturers or teachers.

I recently saw something which put a lump in my throat yesterday - it was a song from Glee. Someone posted up on twitter a link in remembrance of the death of the main actor, Cory something-something and I happened to hopped on and reached this song. And yes, I watch Glee too, and no, i don't think it is pathetic. Those of you who don't or better yet haven't, I suggest giving it a try and see what happens.

Anyway, the song was a remake of an old song sung by Lulu - 'To Sir with Love'. I saw that movie when I was a small kid, and I even though I could understand what the movie was about, I could not fully appreciate it.

Add 15 years and a teaching career down the line, and try revisit the movie. Or just happen to watch the song on Glee, and you remember what teaching is all about.

It's not about you.

It's about the students.

Because in the end, they make you.

As I watched the video, a huge lump started to form in my throat. I saw in all the faces sitting down and singing the faces of my own students, each with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies, from all the classes that I had ever taught. Each with their own lives and their own future careers. Each becoming who they are because I had personally touched their lives, and they to mine.

Then I smiled that i choose this career. :)