Joanne Shi has a thriving IG account, @wonder_doodles, where she posts her art work that contains an affirmative message. In this era of mental health crisis, her work may serve as a healing balm to those in need. Heck, I could do with a perk-me-up at times.

My Head of Department bought this book for all the English teachers in our school because she thought we could use the messages to comfort students in need. We are English teachers after all; we rely on the written word to convey our advice across.

As a dutiful subordinate, I sent the following message to some of my students just now:

They are still trying to remember what passion means, so I’m hoping that my surprise message helps drum this word into their long-term memories. We shall see tomorrow.

Wonder Doodles comprises six sections, including quotations from famous people. I think the thing that struck me most is that in order to create value that is one in a million, we need to combine an interest with our profession. Joanne Shi is a licensed therapist and leverages her drawing skills to deliver soul-affirming messages. The ex-Deputy Director of Education in my country performs magic tricks while expressing her ideals on education. I wonder what my thing is and how I can infuse it into my teaching to make myself stand out. How should I consciously carve my distinctive identity? I guess I naturally bring a Japanese perspective to the things I do since I lived there for two years and admire its culture so much, but I am not sure that being Japanese-oriented comprises a substantial part of my self-worth? Idk, I’m not sure yet.

As I was typing this, I realised that I had actually asked [“What’s the V4V you bring to the table?”] this February. I think I should firm up something soon and gradually steer my image as determinedly as a ship captain steering away from icebergs.

Suffice it to say that her book left me some food for thought.