I haven't been posting for some time, as I've been trying to clear quite a bit of work including setting and marking test papers - setting the SA2 papers and marking the CA2 papers. The end of the term is hectic, but God's strength and a good shower does wonders. :)

Some thoughts I've absorbed from a leader who inspires me.

1. It's never a problem of lack of time. It's a problem of lack of time management.

2. We achieve most when we are out of our comfort zones.

3. A good leader/ person has a thick skin, is not petty, and never bears a grudge. (oh Ruthie, erase your grudges, they are not worth keeping...laugh at them.)

4. The worst thing in life is making no mistakes (i.e. - take risks - you gotta be proactive)

5. Time and tide wait for no man. Think big - plan big - take steps towards your goals.

And now my small little goal is: to finish marking all my Secondary 3 test papers by tonight so that I can discharge my responsibility towards them well. :( The bigger goals I will think about when I have time to think about them.

Oops! It's never a problem of lack of time. It's a problem of lack of time management!

An Inspiring Moment

My first period today was supposed to be an essay test on the hardest topic of all this year - the pumping motion of the heart. The names of the different parts of the heart are difficult to remember. The names of the valves are difficult to remember. One of my clearest memories of Biology in Secondary school was struggling with the logical, yet impossibly complicated sequence of how the heart functions.

I wanted to postpone the test because I knew the Secondary 3s were overloaded with tests this week. However, very surprisingly, the class was very disappointed when I told them my decision. They had put in quite alot of effort into studying for the test. I decided to reverse the earlier decision and give them some time to study, before handing out the test.

They got to work very earnestly, and looking at their bent faces I remembered students who didn't use to be this motivated or enthusiastic about Biology. I think this is one of the best things about being a teacher - being able to pass down the love for the subject to the students. If my students graduate with fond memories of their classes, and maintain a curious attitude towards living systems & things; that, for me, is success as a Biology teacher :)

I remember when the teacher postponed deadlines for tests or homework, I used to be so relieved and happy. So my students now are better students than the student I was then. I'm jealous, admiring and inspired!