The Learning Teacher

I would never have thought that my work in UPM would come to a close with a click of the mouse as I “punched” out for the final time at my computer. And with that ended my 23-year work life in Universiti Putra Malaysia on 16 April 2009.

One can’t help but grow a little fond of the institution  which has been a large part of one’s life.  Much of the fondness for UPM has to do with my work with my students and a few colleagues who have become friends.

Although it might seem a little premature to reflect on my life in UPM, it has been less than a week since I completed my work there, my thoughts are very much with the students with whom I have had the privilege of working with over the years. 

On the first day of my holidays, I was at the KL Book Fair at PWTC and bumped into a few ex-students. Among them was a Annyza Tamar (hope I got the second name right!). Annyza was among a group of UPM TESL Matriculation students who I taught the most number of courses!! I literally saw them grow up in front of my eyes. Some of them were in the matriculation courses, bachelor degree  and masters degree courses!!!

We had a fun conversation and she recalled how what I had said about a teacher’s life. She said that it was quite true and not as cynical as she and her classmates thought I had made it out to be!!

It was a good feeling to see one’s students all grown up and having found themselves.

It also made me think how they have contributed in my own development as a teacher and teacher trainer. Over the last few years I have been asking my students to consider a metaphor which would describe them as teachers. With them, I too considered a metaphor for myself.

For me, the metaphor was that of a farmer. It goes back to an sms that I had sent out to many friends on Teachers’ Day. If I recall correctly, it was: Seek not the harvest, we are merely sowing the seeds.

Recalling the many many students who had been in my classes, I just wonder how these seeds have grown and I hope they have in turn been nurturing new seeds … And I do know this to be true (not taking any credit for their successes). It pleases me immensely to see my students who have become leaders in the field of education. Am also glad that many have opted to stay in schools - this is where good teachers are needed the most. 

To all my students still in UPM, I wish you all the best! Thank you for your kind and happy wishes for me. The best blessing I’ve had is when my students have become my friends. I look forward to that with you too. All good wishes to you, my students! 

To all my students past and present, my best wishes.