bumper crop

pw results were released last thursday...i felt nervous for my own classes...believing i assessed them fairly and hoping everything will best reflect the effort we put in. it was one of the toughest years for me, preparing to leave yet determined to do my best for my final batch. i remembered having mentored them through every stage of the research process...their ideas bouncing off mine and me on one occasion hopping from one table to another, balancing 6-7 topics ranging from obesity to disability to undergarments (!), forensic science and stairways in my mind. i tasted madness.
and yes, they did it! with more than half bagging distinctions for their sheer energy, heart & hard work. it was a proud moment for me when their sms-es started streaming in, detailing their grades and how they felt. i was most most heartened by their gratitude. s17 called and screamed so loud my phone almost went bust. a few who did not manage to get a distinction also texted me a note to say thank-you. these are the ones i'll always remember in a special way...letting me know that at the end of the day, i've done my share and they too have grown, learning to look at life beyond grades.

i still think there are many ways to make this rich subject less of a chore for both tutor and students. however on the point of pw, this sustains me - to be a witness of their own growing love and respect for research and knowledge, to marvel at everyday phenomena and to unpack social theories to understand life at large and sometimes, beneath a microscope. not forgetting, working and learning to live with people of diverse quirks and background.

i would be lying if i do not admit that teachers do appreciate the gratitude their students show. it reminds us that our work goes beyond helping them obtain an "A." it was thus strange that only 2 students from my own form class texted back, at least to update me about their grades. the rest fell silent. that is life, sometimes.

i am moving to another stage where i'll tell myself to give the best in class regardless of the response received. it's a bonus if an affirmation comes my way. if not, life goes on and the quiet mission remains.