I have been working in centres quite actively in the last few weeks. It's not really something new but it seems I am starting to feel happier when I am at centres. Especially when I see children more frequently and they start to recognize me too.
In one incident recently, a very young boy completed his test and I helped him to mark his test. He was eagerly waiting for the test result that he became fidgety. The moment I finished recording his results, he took the test and showed it to his Instructor. I thought he got a decent result and could do better. But the happiness I saw in him, proudly sharing with everyone his score, touched me. At the end of it all, he came up to me and gave me a hug. Awww.
In another incident, there was this student who seemed to be struggling with his work. A colleague decided to see if giving him something easier would ease his struggle. It worked like magic. From being on the verge of crying, the student beamed when he could do the simpler worksheet. He was smiling all the way till he left class.
Yet in another incident, there was this student who was taking a long time to complete his work. He could do his work but he took a long time to complete it. We know he is really working hard. He usually would finish his assigned work and would go home. But on that particular day, I helped him mark his work and asked him to do his corrections immediately. At first, he didn't want to so I persuaded him by saying that he didn't have many corrections. He completed it all in a jiffy and when told he's got no more corrections to worry about, he gave me a smile, eyes sparkling.
I have been visiting centres all over Singapore but really working with children and seeing their joy makes me feel so different. It's very tiring, being in the centre, dealing with students and issues, but I still felt happy. Tired but happy. I guess that's why many Instructors continue to dedicate themselves to nurturing children. Seeing their joy in learning, brings joy to us too.
I must say, they are really gifts from God. For better or for worse, they never fail to touch you.
