gosh

a former student, msn-ed me, and asked me to help him proof-read his first varsity essay. i flatly declined, said no. in case you are are reading this, i hope you'll understand why.

another asked several teachers to pen a recommendation form for her to enter a prestigious faculty, without first supplying or specifying any information about her achievements, aspirations or attainments as required in the application form. i taught her for less than 6 months. and i am assumed to possess omnipotent knowledge of her entire life journey. i am sorry i lack all the required information. and i am supposed to dig more info from her and other teachers (CCA and 4 other subjects) and gather them on my own.

no.

i do not recall asking my jc teachers to vet my term essays when i was at uni. at best, my brave push to intellectual independence was the best credit i could give her. she caught a glimpse of my hons thesis only in my fourth year when i offered to share it with her when we met up again. i can still remember her look of pride. and i felt good to come back and know that i have moved on, further than what i could ever imagine. it felt (and still feels) good to be there.

many former students send me their best uni essays so as to share their insights after weeks, months or even a year of intensive research which they embarked on their own. i felt enriched by their knowledge, humbled as they come of age, on their own.
when it comes to my own testimonials, i exercised logic and intiative, made courtesy and effort to supply my professors or referees with all the information i could muster when i needed their help to write a recommendation letter. they were more than willing to help because i assisted them with all the information i wanted them to include, some which they could never have obtained on their own. i knew my place. i followed protocol. and i learnt to be independent and helpful. i also sent a thank-u card in return, regardless of the final outcome

have we all been educating a generation so used to spoon-feeding and a 'take-for-granted mentality' that they have lost a sense to secure their own footing in life?

i hope i have not failed any of you in that regard.

adulthood. independence. self-care. gratitude. detachment; shedding the securities of the past and riding on what i have been given....and have learnt...

i move on that way..and never forgot those who led me to this day...

you too, can do the same.