Although 6 weeks is not a very long time, it is the longest time I have been away from my family and friends. Away from the comfort and physical presence of my loved ones, I have learnt to become more independent and be more appreciative of things around me. I have learnt how to build rapport with the teachers and students and integrate myself into the once unfamiliar environment. I have learnt how to be adventurous and taste food that looks different from what I have back home. I have learnt how to be more creative and think about ways to make learning English fun and easy for students of different ages.
As a Singaporean, I am glad to receive exposure to English as young as 1 year old and be bilingual although not so fluent. Children here start learning English only at 6 years old. At first, I was not too used to speaking proper sentences in full Chinese because I speak so much of Singlish (a mixture of English and dialects and many other languages) back in Singapore. But after much practice, I think I can now speak proper Chinese with more confidence. There isn't much of a communication barrier because I could understand what they were saying most of the time.
In addition, I am really glad to enjoy the convenience of public transportation within walking distance from home. I also feel very fortunate to be provided with lots of educational resources and learning opportunities be it in a classroom or through travelling outdoors. Things like these we may take for granted or complain about sometimes, are greatly appreciated by the locals here. Computers aided learning and cultural exchange opportunities are golden opportunities for students here. Although there are many aspects of life that we may be unhappy about, there are also many things to treasure and be happy for. Hence, my new motto for myself -Enjoy life's simple pleasure and live it up.
In addition, I am really glad to enjoy the convenience of public transportation within walking distance from home. I also feel very fortunate to be provided with lots of educational resources and learning opportunities be it in a classroom or through travelling outdoors. Things like these we may take for granted or complain about sometimes, are greatly appreciated by the locals here. Computers aided learning and cultural exchange opportunities are golden opportunities for students here. Although there are many aspects of life that we may be unhappy about, there are also many things to treasure and be happy for. Hence, my new motto for myself -Enjoy life's simple pleasure and live it up.
Although I don't really get to spend much time with the students, I try my best to make everyday count. Even if I can't make them speak proper sentences, looking at their small humble improvements in pronouncing words gives me a little comfort. I will be participating in their graduation on the 17th June just before I go back and I hope I'll be able to do a little something for them. At the very least, they can bring away with them some memories we shared and knowledge about Singapore which they never knew before.
6 months from now, I want to start my teaching career and continue to enrich the lives of more students. 1 year from now, I hope the students I teach will treasure the learning opportunities they have and probably help other students in future. 3 years from now, I hope to save up enough money to come back again and do a little something for them.
6 months from now, I want to start my teaching career and continue to enrich the lives of more students. 1 year from now, I hope the students I teach will treasure the learning opportunities they have and probably help other students in future. 3 years from now, I hope to save up enough money to come back again and do a little something for them.
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