A Poem to my FORM 5 Students

The little monsters who I have known for years,
Have always been burning my nerve,
Your learning attitude is worse,
And sometimes you guys are adorable but weird.

Coming to class early is a miracle,
Attending the extra class is unbelievable,
Completing the task in class is incredible,
Listening attentively in class is unthinkable.

But, showering you with love and care,
Is a worthwhile thing we share,
Influencing you with thoughts and words,
Is a priceless act I serve.

You guys will be graduating soon,
Be prepared with the real world,
Overcoming the obstacles and challenges,
Be strong and be humble,
For the people and the nation,
Good luck, my dear students!

Written by: Alex Oct 09

Coming Back;-)

Well, it has been a long time i did not write anything in my blog as i have been busy with my teaching stuff so far. However, i am coming back to drop some lines! I should be active enough in blogging, putting my thoughts or teaching philosophy in words, sharing the ideas or life experiences, but it seems like i am talking to myself. I have been asking my students to do blogging, but most of them would never do it. I ask my students to view my blogs and give comments and none of them have done it so far. Whatever it is, i will keep motivating them to write blogs and there is a hope for them to improve their English proficiency via e-blogging! CHEERS...

Words Twisted- What a Life!!! SIGH...

Yesterday when I was giving Form1 tuition, suddenly, a student asked me a question about the food that my students had prepared. It was a serious matter to me because some people did not listen to the intended meaning that I said.

Perhaps, my Chinese language is "TOO GOOD" for me to express my feeling, emotions, opinion or views. Some people might have misunderstood my meaning. It was actually a happy event that shared with my students in Yong Peng High School, but, i was quite disappointed knowing that my words/ meaning had been twisted.

What would my 2 students feel when they knew that their well-prepared cake, green bean soup, pudding and others had been laughed at/ despised by the so called Alex sir??? In fact, i wanted to praise their effort in making the wonderful snacks, but never did i think that my meaning had been twisted.

SIGH... What a life!!!

WORDS ARE DANGEROUS... VERY DANGEROUS!!! From a Bad Teacher!

Last Week at CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

I am going to finish my teaching practical very soon. 3 months is coming to an end. How time flies, teaching at this school has never been easy as i need to face all boys. However, i find myself enjoyable coming to the school and impart the knowledge that i possess.

Building bridges is more important and it comes at the first place before i can deliver the knowledge to students. At first, before i came to CHS, i told myself that i could not do much and i could not expect much from the students as 3 months is a short time to influence people.

But after 12 weeks here, although some students made me headache and i was forced to drink 100plus to regain back the wasted energy as my tissues worthlessly burnt , i have begun to love the students and i have found some of them changed to become better men. Well, is this rewarding? Yup, it goes without saying.. Indeed, it is! I need to leave those whom i have begun to love and care. Anyway, this is life and life goes on. I gotta accept the reality.

To 4M and 4H students, as your teacher, i am very proud of you guys! i hope after i have gone, you will keep your passion burning and i hope i have influenced your life. I am with you all the time if you remember and use the life knowledge that i taught you:-)

Good luck and all the best. Keep in touch!

From: Teacher Alex/ Mr. Yew

To students whom left my Class

I have always wanted to be a Great Teacher! To educate, influence, motivate and inspire students are my priority. There is still a long journey for me to go in the world of teaching, challenges and obstacles awaiting for my arrival.

Yup, for weeks ago. I asked myself "Whether am i suitable to be a teacher?"... I doubted Myself, i doubtedly my Ability, i doubted my Faith and i doubted my Aim...

Those kids are just like my children. When i see them leave, it is disheartening and i would say Unbearable! Take it for example, if you see the progress of your children growing up day by day, but, suddenly they are gone! Sad and dissappointed!

But, after some time, i discovered something and i told myself that... "Those kids have grown up, they are making their own decisions... i should be happy about that". Well, i have totally changed my perception. I congratulate those students who had made decisions and i hope the decisons they made were wise. Secondly, the English that they learnt from me would be a strong foundation for them to success in Exams. Thirdly, the knowledge that they learnt from me would be useful for them to adapt in the society- I HOPE!

Good luck and All The Best To All Of You!

BY: Teacher Alex

Teacher's Day 18th May 2009

Teachers should celebrate Teacher's Day because they have been in hell for the whole year, and teacher's day is an opportunity for them to release whatever that is negative! I was quite happy because some of the students sent cards and small gifts to me, i am always not a greedy person. In fact, cards from students will be definitely appreciated. I dont wish to see my students wasting money to buy things, instead, they should have spent the money to better use like doing charity or buying something special for their mother! Anyway, Thanks to all whom gave me anything. You guys are good boys and good girls:-)

All teachers at CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL had to be divided into 8 groups. Wow, games!!! Teachers were gathered at the basketball court playing games while students were standing around the court cherring for their prefered teachers. Some students cheered for me when i tried to shoot the ball, then i turned my body, using the body language, lifting up my hand (cheer louder)... Then, time for me to shoot.... Yeah... Hurray... IN!!! haha...

My group got No.2.. Em.. Not Bad!

I wish to enjoy my another teacher's day celebration! And again, Thanks to those who wished me Happy Teacher's Day!

Thanks to Parit-Raja Form 4 Students

I always think that i am a lucky man. Well, there are countless challenge in life, sour and unhappiness but there is always room for SWEETNESS. Yes, this is the sweetness that makes me burning as a teacher. Some students give me the courage, the confidence and most of all the passion to carry on with my teaching life.

Last friday, 1st of May 2009. My students organized a wedding party for me. How appreciative they were. At first they gave me a card, then followed by a speech, next was a present"Casio Watch" and finally the feast. Well, i was quite touched and happy to have them as my students. Thanks everyone!

I wont forget this special occasion prepared by everyone who involved directly or indirectly.

The students came were as follows;

1. Chua han jie

2. Sia wan ling

3. Pour chui ling

4. Vivian Sim jia lei

5. Go yik Soong

6. Ng Jiunn wen

7. Wen Chin

8. Wen Kai

9. Ping Kian

10. Liang Wei

LIFE IN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Well, time flies... I have been teaching in Catholic High Shool Melaka for a month. Life has not been easy as i need to adapt to the environment and tackle the students. Besides, thinking for the lessons and writing the lesson plans are SUCKS!!! Sometimes, i will run out of ideas.. and i gotta struggle to think of a better way to teach the students according to their language ability. However, i do try to enjoy myself. Lol.. My life would be better-I HOPE!

GOODBYE TO U.P.M

I had my final of final test in UPM last week. 4 years had i been there struggling for 8 semesters. Life had been tough but it was really enjoyable especailly i have close friends and a future wife who supported me all aong the way. 4 years in UPM had broadened my horizon, the knowledge that cant be measured by dollars and cents, had been absorbed and delivered by some of my dedicated and very influential lecturers like Dr. Edwin or Dr. Jayakaran. I am what i am today because of them!

I still recall, I didnt study hard for the first and second semesters and my results were like shit. I always "Hantam" my assignments, presentations or micro-teachings. Well, thai is me. I dont believe in Excellent Academics. For me, a teacher must KNOW HOW to teach, it is totally useless for a teacher to write excellent lesson plans but failed to deliver the content efficiently. It is a failure!

When you go to a new environment, you will see lots of people from different states, different races, different cultures and traditions. You will definitely meet people and know them on surface at first. As you grow to know them better, you might easily discover that those people are wearing masks all the time. To my students, i would suggest you to really understand someone before you fully trust him/her. When you have found a blossom friend or close-knit friend, cherish them!

UPM is the biggest University in Malaysia, it has vast fields, gigantic buildings and city like environment. I am very proud to be graduated from one of the top Uni especially in the course of TESL. I had been trained to be a qualified Secondary school English Teacher teaching English and also teaching literature in English. Most of the methodology that i learnt has been put to practice via my tuition classes.

Threre were happy moments and sad occasions. "Yesterday is but today's memory, Tomorrow is today's dream". As a UPM graduate, i will go all out to show the people out there that we are the best!

Can a friend be reliable?

I have always been a fool. Am i? Thinking that a friend might be dependable and workable, but when ideas and beliefs are far different, conflicts shown. Well, i am not going to tell you about the details of the story that i have just encountered very recently. To all my students or other bloggers, i have learned a very beautiful lesson. First of all, never solely believe in someone. Secondly, get the real picture of whatever stuff before you say yes. Thirdly, be a responsible man even if you are in a critical situation. Fourthly, when you believe in what you are doing is correct, there are people who say yes and there are people who say no. But, if you think what you do is beneficial although any decision cant meet everyone's needs, never mind... LIsten to those who say YES and move on. Last but not least, no one grows stronger without mistakes and challenges. Ladies and gentlemen, use what you have, do what you can. Cheers!

HOW TOUCH HAVE YOU EVER BEEN EXPERIENCED?

There are various types of human beings in this globe. Life would be real fun and meaningful if everyone would be wonderful. Letting out the kind heart and throw away the despicable mask.

Well, this world is filled with mixed souls regardless the religions, races, colors or smells. Frankly speaking, no one is perfect and it goes without saying that i am no exception. But, honestly, i will always try to be a good person, a good son to parents, a good brother to brothers and sisters, a good student to lecturers and lecturers, a good teacher to students. Anyway, i still have my mistakes! Now, are you better than i?

I have heard and read about a number of touching stories that really touched me deeply. The tears would be rolling in my eyes but they never fall down. I have a typical thinking which is "Men don't cry". But, it doesnt mean i am a man without feelings. I do have, it is just that i seldom show them on my face.

Listening and reading the touching stories are totally and absolutely different from what you really have experienced. A picture tells thousand words! A true heart from someone to a person is valuable and priceless. Words are just too limited to express something sometimes during the particular situation and particular condition.

Yesterday, i received an Ang Pow from 1st sis. At first, i thought she gave it wrongly to me because it was RM500. Then, when Cherry asked her. She said "No ah, it is for Min Soon". Now, you might be wondering and very being very curious to know the reason behind it. I am not very sure, but i guess 1st Sis wants to help me with my studies expenses. First time receiving Big Angpow, i was really shocked and touched. I was speechless and expressionless, my heart kept telling me that i need to reapy her kindness...

I have asked Cherry to save the money for me for rainy days. I think i will not use the money unless i really need it urgently. Most probably, i will give the money back to 1st Sis when she wants to start her business in near future. The money is small thing, the most important is the kinship and the heart to help each other without counting even 1 sen. I believe, "Blood is thicker than water" and kinship is undoubtedly vital expecially the good ones when you have fortunately discovered.

I count myself lucky for having lots of kins who will lend a helping hand when i am down and share the happiness for whatever i have achieved. Am i a fortunate man? Yes, of course i am:-)

Ladies and Gentlemen who read this blog, i am not a good writer who can touch you by writing. But, deep down inside my heart and soul. This article is real and it had touched my nerves, sinew and tissues!

A world with true heart. Just true!

Million thanks to my 1st sis

Regards,

Alex

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2009

Many people nowadays cannot feel the real scenario of chinese new year! It has been lost, not totally but most of it. I still remember when i was young, i used to play fireworks and police would not bother about it. But, times have changed!

Now, it is difficult for us to play it without worrying to be caught! Ladies and gentlemen, the atmosphere duirng Chinese New Year is no longer that "shiok". Anyway, it is the precious time for the family members to be togather coming from all parts of the country. It is heart warming to be like one having the reunion dinner where laughter from everyone can be heard and remembered.

Besides, there are lots of food and drinks to be enjoyed! Good, i love them. Wait.. will i gain weight after this? Sure... BUT.. Never mind, once in a blue moon is all right. Haha


Happy New YeAR to everyone:-)

Goodbye to my Dog "Baby"

My gf and i bought a puppy in Kl at one of the pet shops near Petaling Street. It was November of 2007. We bought him a yellow box and we carried him on the Metro bus all the way from Kota Raya to Serdang.

He vomitted a few times on cherry's shoulder because it was his first time experiencing the shaking of the vehicle running on the road. We cleared his mouth and Cherry cleaned her cloth by the time we reached Serdang at my hostel.

Then, we went back to Yong Peng, bringing him back to his first home. We were having great time playing with this little naughty boy. It was very cute. The reasons that we bought him were because it was one of the cheapest dogs there, besides, he was very charming and active. Well, He looked like a bear when he stood up. lol

We reared him at the back room of the tuition centre. Ceiling fan was on all the time to make sure that he was comfortable. At first, he would urine and shit anywhere he liked. He loved to bite whatever stuff like cloth, shoes and so on. Most importantly, he loved to bite people hardly using his white fang.

The moment when we put him into his cage. Barking was his first alternative. His voice was very loud and sharp. When i shouted at him, he would not keep quiet. He would bark back to me. lol

It was great when we took him out for jogging. We would drag by him, he would be the one who led. Well, but, most of the time i would control him to the way i wanted. Baby would be very delighted the moment he saw us taking the belt. Cos he knew that we would bring him out.

Actually, i am very sorry for this dog because i seldom took him out. Cherry and i were very busy and we barely had time to really look after him. We had supplied him with everything that a dog needed to survive. But, we could help to provide him with the amount of love and care. He was in the room for 1 year. 1 long, long year for a pity dog. He would have longed for the companion from us but we always dissappointed him.

We had a good and fun time with baby. But, we owed him a lot. Money cannot buy, only time and love can buy!
So, Cherry and i decided to send baby to a caring owner. We loved him very much, but, knowing that baby needs much more than we could provide.

I took him back to my home. My parents loved him very much, especailly my dad. One day, before i went to Ipoh. baby hugged my leg very tightly as if he didnt want me to go. Or he had sensed that he would be given to another owner, he pleaded me not to give him away. I was touched....i was deeply touched!!!

Tears in my heart were rolling down deep into my soul. The feeling was indescrible!

At last, Cherry and i sent him to my student's "Abby" home. I was very sad, baby is just like my very dear friend who has brightened up my life since he came into my life. .Luckily, the environment he is living now is comfortable. Baby will always be on my mind. I wish him the best staying at my student's home. Hopefully, he will bring joys to the new family. God bless!

From: A loving Owner