I can honestly say that I have no regrets becoming a teacher, even though my high IQ might qualify me for higher paid jobs in more lucrative industries. I can say this for sure, because there’s no denying the genuine warmth and affection that permeated my consciousness when I chanced upon Ryan and Rafi from 2R1’2018 at the Nee Soon GRC Community Resilience Day.

One of them managed to complete his education at NorthLight; the other dropped out along the way. But I realised that their academic outcomes barely made a dent in the level of pleasure that I felt. Both were well and alive, contributing to the nation as firemen at Yishun Fire Station. They stood taller and prouder than their ex-teacher who has lost his youthful demeanour and carefree vibes to Father Time.

It’s unfortunate that our collective memories don’t revolve around English. Ryan uttered “Thank God It’s Friday”. Geez, I have forgotten at how enthusiastically I bellowed this phrase at the top of my lungs every Friday lesson, my high energy act an attempt to capture their attention. I remember confiscating his shoes and refusing to return them to him because He. Didn’t. Focus.

I need to do better in my teaching so that future generations of students actually remember the things that I teach them instead of these random catchphrases.