Intangibles

Life is a box of chocolates? Forrest Gump's infamous sophism has always befuddled me.

Chocolates as metaphor for life!? Life melts? Life is tasty? Life is dark or white? Life has fillings? Life has variety? 'You never know what you're going to get till you open it' ... DUH!?

It's amazing how Hollywood creates such sophisticatedly unintelligent statements. And it amazes me even more how they etch in one's mind.

If we were to take that metaphor for that of choice, perhaps then there is some sense. And indeed life, for all that it has been spouted to be, is about choices. We make them - good or bad - and we face the consequences of those choices - good or bad.

I've suddenly been led to recall some choices I made with regards to my professional work and development some years back when those endearing kids from 0603 and 1503 dropped by over this holiday send their season greetings and well-wishes - It was a decision that has led to misdevelopments in terms of career 'moves'. But seeing them again, I am re-affirmed by the decision I made.

It was really nice seeing you guys again - heartwarming to say the least. Serene asked if I missed them. Well ... the answer is clear.

For the sound and fury that is now at the workplace; for the politicking and entrenchment of evil in the department; for the ruthless ambition that pervades the atmosphere of the workstations, I am beginning again to see certain 'truths' about what I do with their visit. It's been more than a year since they've graduated but they remain as close and as dear to me as the time they wore green uniforms and sat listening to me attentively. Well, maybe they weren't listening attentively ... But it's got me thinking once again why I travel across the island each day and and spend hours in a place that I no longer feel any attachment nor affinity for (and in fact detest and disgust at).

It's the students; It's my love for learning and inspiring. It's not the popularity factor which so many young teachers are lured and entrapped by (and I won't mention names here ... some of which aren't very young); It's not about power or prestige which again motivates and suffocates so many in the teaching profession.

It's the people - the young people. And that should be reason enough; reason enough to enter each day putting in the best efforts and making each lesson a unique learning occurence for them. And I know, with this batch that has graduated, it's all been worthwhile. This is my reward: I know, innately, that I am a good teacher. I don't really need awards or public approbation to show me that - the students, who have now become friends, have.