Today I accidentally saw a custom made birthday card given to me in June this year by JY, a 10-year-old student. It is an origami-like heart shape with messages written on it. On the envelope she designed a column which says “teacher’s wishes….” and left it blank for me. A sense of warmth surrounded me. Sincerely, I wish that all my students enjoy their musical journey and be a better musician than I am. Sincerely..
I was never really a super fan of young children, but they’re not my enemy either. I’m just.. Hanging on the neutral line? But now, I can’t take my eyes off any kid who walked pass me. I can’t help but enjoy observing their character and their unique expressions. Somehow it fascinates me in many ways.
So, what’s with the sudden change in me? My job, definitely. After days and months spent working with children, this is what I am. I love being Teacher Jo, even though at the end of a long day I would go home with a blank head and resistance of speaking (due to mind exhaustion). Still, I would giggle on my own each time I recall the faces of the little ones. They moved me, in countless circumstances.
There was this girl, A (my most hardheaded student in history)… I literally saw her grow up from a girl who sat under the piano when everyone else sat on the chair, to a girl who insists to be the leader for her ensemble group. She’s 10 years old now, still having the remnants of “lazy bone” and quick-tempered attitude (which I laugh about it all the time). Last week she showed me her personal diary, and when I told her mum about it, her mum was surprised as nobody else, except for A could go through the diary. (What a pleasure…:P)
Z and XH, now age 10 and 8, are also one of my best memories. They gave me lots of silly jokes and laughter, despite the occasional mood swing and unwillingness to cooperate (because it’s nap time). They inspired me, and in fact, they are the reason I started teaching musicianship classes and from there, my love for teaching blossomed. Last few months, Z surprised me on the violin as I accompanied. He was so good that I spread the news to all my colleagues! He used to be so impatient in almost every musical task but boy, someone’s grown up! XH, once on her trip to Korea, she composed 2 songs in her mind while taking a long journey on the bus, travelling from one city to the other. Sometimes, she’ll hug me and call me “mama..” and I’ll go “I’m not your mama!” But she’ll continue “mama…” Of course I don’t wish to be that old, but I get it… I’ve given her the vibe of love and security.
S, a kind-hearted girl, is adorable in her own way. Having great talent for art, the 7-year-old made very impressive artwork. And to my surprise, she gave 3 to me! I was totally excited, simply because it means a lot to me. S’s kindness and sincerity touched my soul. She made me reflect on myself and reminded me to be a positive person.
In my group classes, I started the “hug” system after we sing the goodbye song. The ritual is : as the class ends, the children give me a High 5 and a hug. Up till now, the power of hugging has proven to be enormous. I didn’t expect that, but it happened. Even the most problematic student can be “tamed” through time with this power. Today I just experienced something that touched me (yet again). A 3-year-old, who had speech delay, hugged me as soon as he saw me. And then when I told him “come let’s go to the class”, he hugged me again, and followed me to the classroom. This is a BIG LEAP. He couldn’t pay attention at what people say most of them time, but he obeyed totally to what I said. I felt my heart squeezed hard at that moment, no exaggeration on that.
If I have the energy to write down what every of my student make me feel, I would! But I’m fighting with time nowadays. Probably another episode of this again. I want to keep this portion of memory so that when they grow up, and when I read this, it’ll be so much of a fulfilling flashback.
I’m glad that I have these wonderful buddies in my almost-gonna-be-1/4-century life: Kimberly, Venus, Steven, Alice, Haw, Jackey… Also, my dear family who will forever remember this day in every year.
