Take 5

Work

I've just had a good run at my new workplace. No, I didn't switch to yet another routine 9-5 job. This time, I went for my dreams - education. It's hard to explain when everything about the job just feels right. I had bumped into an old boss/mentor and had readily blurted out to my surprise, sans prompts and diplomatic tact, Yup, I'm enjoying the new job alot!

It wasn't easy changing lanes though. Before I plunged into this, I had constantly second-guessed my decision to switch. Is it a good time? What if you have a terrible time dealing with the kids? But the month-long stint at school made me conclude that it was the right choice after all.

It was a tough school, with the usual punk kids (that reminded me of my own classmates). In spite of this (or some would say because of these kids), I still discovered the joy of being able to touch kids and make an impression on them, and how much I enjoyed teaching them new things about school and life.

I looked forward to each day in school, and particularly liked it when a student told me more in response to questions I asked about stuff they were personally involved in - be it community projects overseas, or even dreams and ambitions harboured by hooligans. Their eyes would light up when I offered a glimmer of knowledge related to their interests, and they'd gush out even more info.

Unlike my previous work, where the part of the day I loved most was lunch (now don't get the wrong idea, it was the company, not the food that mattered), here I was more keen on the work itself. I didn't even mind da-baoing or delaying my lunch, because I wanted to use whatever free time I had to better myself at the job -be it through lesson prep, or chatting with colleagues during their non-lunch breaks to find out more about what made some students tick, and others simmer. I just had to make sure that I did my best for these guys, diamonds in the rough.

Now don't get the wrong idea. I don't expect to work miracles, neither do I hope to be able to shape every students' life for the better. Things don't always work out that way do they? And that's a surefire way to burn out, ain't it?

But I'll do the best that I can.

Because this is what I love doing.

posted by leo @ 12:01 AM