Dream Big As We Only Live Once

The theme of this post itself has already inspired me to Do More Than Dream.

Yes. The moment when I visualize and plan for the topic I want to include in each alphabet (I am still thinking about X-Y-Z as they seem to be the hardest!), instantly I could think of the theme for D.

I want to blog not just about my dream, but about my friends, my blog readers’ and my students’ dreams, and I made it! *cheerfully typing out more words on keyboard*. However, due to time issue, I will just focus in my students’ dreams.

Here is a story about what happened yesterday in the classroom:

Yesterday, I had a class with 1SP3 and was very mad with them for not finishing homework although second chance has been given. Hence, consequence was given by asking them to stand till they complete their homework. While discussing homework, some of them still showed misbehavior in the classroom which we agreed that it is an act of disrespect to the teacher and classmates, and not giving their best. Hence, action was immediately implemented where some of them had to stay back till they complete their work.

Seriously, I was real unhappy. I am thinking to myself, is this what I signed up for as a Teach For Malaysia fellow. Am I going to waste my 2 years for fellowship and receive such work from them? Will they grow and become a respected person in future that can contribute to the society? The answer is no.

 

I drove home completely exhausted after staying back for 15 minutes. Teaching is not an easy job and I realize this since last year however, I keep my faith that this 2 years of journey is going to be worth it in term of helping other individuals to grow and be a better leader for themselves. Well, I know I grow so much too in these several months.

 

I go back home feeling so restless till this morning, I decided to make a short blog about the ‘Dreams’. As I am looking at all the pictures which I had taken yesterday, a sense of happiness is formed and inspire to live my new day ambitiously.

 

Here are the photos that I meant. They were told about the Blogging A-Z Challenge and I asked if they are interested to participate because I want to feature them in my blog with the dreams they have. Most of them have low mastery in English (even numeracy too) but they told me that they want to try to write it in English. I am so touched by their effort seriously. I don’t even have the courage to try when I was at their age T.T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I lam touched by his dream: He dreams that one day, he can confidently use English as a form of communication and enter UKM (one of the university in Malaysia).

    

 

Looking at their dreams, they have made me understand what they want and value most in their life. I am grateful to read that some of their dreams are about taking care of their parents, bringing them for holiday and live a happy family. This is something that I am looking forward too besides just a merely career ambition. They took quite long moment to think, write and decorate their paper because Ms. Kai Lee (me) told them that what they wrote will come true so they have to be really careful and serious with their dreams. Well, according to psychology, it is true. What you think will result in action.

Are their dreams big enough to be considered as Dream Big? Well, I think they are plus.. they are all beautiful dreams.. <3

What about mine?
They are seriously a lot! - to have a happy and loving marriage, have kids, write educational books, go Japan and Paris…… and they go on and on and on…


And now, as a teacher for over 400+ students, I dream that in 10-20 years time, I will see all of them living their dreams.

Bachelor Of Counseling And I

It has already been 1.5 year since the day I graduated from the Bachelor Of Counseling in University of Malaya and I am very proud to make a shout out that, I love this course and I’ve never regretted in taking it up!

 

Adibah, Rani and I

This 4 years of Bachelor program has won me several things and I am so going to share it right now, taking the chance to answer my B post today! (check out the A-Z April Challenge). However, before I share the following stories, I would like to explain that this course is done locally with majoring in Counseling and minor in Psychology. In normal institute, the Counseling course can only be taken after the completion of degree in Psychology (for 3 years). In University of Malaya, we can take the course in degree straight away but has a 1 year extension, meaning it is a 4 years course.

 

There is one important gain that I have received from this course and it is the knowledge through the subject of Psychology. It is not just a subject but more of a life studies to me where I learn about human’s thoughts, behavior and characteristic. To understand why human act or behave in a certain way, we can understand them through these 3 main areas – Affect, Behavior and Cognitive. Of course, if you are interested, you can always Google them or follow any Psychology website in your mobile phone. Well, how does this benefit me? Seriously, it is immeasurable. The knowledge is timeless and transferrable into any field or even any life situation! Thanks to the great work from those respected Psychologists such as Jean Piaget, Ivan Pavlov, Skinner, Albert Bandura, Abraham Maslow, Gardner Murphy and etc.

 

Same goes to the Counseling skills that I have learned where I can apply them into my relationship with others including my parents, family, partner, friends, colleagues and even strangers. To me, Counseling is more of a communication skills where you can emphasize others feeling, understand where they come from and then seek the best way to communicate the idea according to different age group. Seriously, this whole idea about Psychology and Counseling is really interesting and I could feel my eyes widen and smile is curved while typing this out. However, having these counseling skills and knowledge don’t make me a better person or communicator, but having a better awareness about myself and others. I am still learning along the way, but in a harder way because knowing the knowledge always pushes me to be more sensitive and structural when it comes to communication with others which can be tired at times.

 

 

Still, I love what I have learned from this course.

 

Besides knowledge and skills, I would say that this course has taught me to see and value life from different perspective. It teaches me important values such as gratitude, responsible, be humble, creativity, be assertive, be understanding and many more. Probably it is because of the design of the course, or probably it is because of my lecturer where good values are instilled into the students’ personal growth not just to become an accountable counselor but as a human being. Humanity is what often being emphasized in each lesson. I am grateful that I could see strengths and uniqueness in everyone whom I have come across to and gain insights and wisdoms along the way. Being a teacher for over 400 kids, I could greatly exercise what I’ve learned to each of them. This is the beauty of my course.

 

My first visit to New Delhi, India on last February 2013.

 
Note: What is in your mind when you see these 2 pictures? Is your country’s demographic any closer to this? If yes, how do you view your life? If no, how do you view their life?

I think I have left this important point that I learn about myself more than before. That’s how I could come up with a long write up about myself few years back (read here). I have these 3 great lecturers whom appreciate uniqueness and encourage the search of trueself. They have never failed to spend their time and energy in helping each of us to grow as an individual and appreciate who we are and where we come from. I still remember that each day, I was looking forward to attend their classes and felt the joy of being nurtured with care and love. Their names shall always be remembered – Dr. Diana, Dr. Nicole and Dr. Haslee. Thank you for your great lesson and making a difference in my life. May the joy and love I have gained impact others’ lives too.

 

Well, when it comes to love and joy, I shall never forget my Counseling buddies. Throughout these 4 years of course, I gained true friendship. We had been through ups and downs together, and still being so close to each other probably it’s because we have understood each other so well through various Counseling activities and humanistic lessons.  Help, open communication and sharing were easily done among many of us. There is almost no secret among ourselves, just like a family. Of course, we did have conflict but it doesn’t make us apart.

 

 

 

From these 48 coursemates, there are 6 special people whom I have learned and loved so much. We even named ourselves as ‘The Birdies’. We know each other background stories, we share love stories, we share idea, we share dreams, we share bed (yay!), we share cosmetic items, we share the car, we share birthday present (and wedding present too!) and we share future together. Ahhhwww.. thinking of these have made myself feel warm and happy. If there is one thing I am forced to trade off, I know I will never ever, ever, ever trade this friendship because they are my greatest support system. Ahhww…

 

  Nearly 2 years of being apart but friendship remains strong.
(Couldn’t find the 6 birdies picture at the moment)

 

And now, with my Bachelor Of Counseling academic background, I gained my first job as a fellow in Teach For Malaysia (TFM). Just as a quick sharing, Teach For Malaysia is a movement to address and fight for education inequity in the country. We share the same mission that ‘one day, all students in Malaysia will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education’. To my loyal readers (let me know if you’re still here as I know I haven’t blogged for many many months), you might have not heard much about my stories in joining TFM. It seems like there are a few pieces of lost puzzle. Well, don’t worry. I know I will get you there, soon.. :)

My very first group of Form 4 students in SMK Ampang Pecah.

 

Thank you to all my lecturers, course designers and my awesome coursemates. You have made my life journey more meaningful and successful. Thank you and I love you.

 

P/S: I feel like furthering my Master in Counseling after this. Let see.

 

Related post on Blogging A-Z April Challenge:
A – A Promise.
B – Bachelor Of Counseling (Current)
C – C Is The Most Interesting Alphabet!

1SP3 and Me

Yesterday, it was quite a stressful day because I had 3 classes in a row with 2 of my challenging classes with 20 minutes of rest. Besides, my Penolong Kanan Petang wanted to observe one of my classes to evaluate and give mark on my performance.

I was teaching 1SP3 when the evaluation was carried out. Initially, I was worried because this class was pretty challenging and occasionally, I had a hard time in teaching and managing them. The experience was like riding on a roller coaster. Sometimes I triumphed like a gold medal boxer, sometimes I fell down like a humpty dumpty - worthless.

But, parts of me believe that they are talented and have promising future if they're being understood and taught purposefully. So, I give my day another fight with better preparation for the 1 hour of class.

So like usual, in the beginning of the class I asked all my students to get into groups. This time, they had to move their tables and formed 8 groups. To my surprise, they are as good as other tested class. They moved and settled within 2 minutes. I am so proud!! In the mean time, I asked them to write their group name on a recycled paper with my magic color and then stick on their group table to appear visible.

I didn't have much time to learn their group names, except the numbers because my mind was channeled to rush the lesson so that the daily objective can be achieved.
The session was a success where I managed to receive full engagement from 30/33 students with my teaching aids and see them working actively together in their group after that.

 

They even tried their best to finish up their PBS (form 1 exam) even though the time was up. Comparing to the beginning of the years, almost half of them would had given up after attempting a few questions.


As I was leaving the class with an army of students who volunteered to help me carried my bags and books to the staff room, all the group leaders handed their group names with a smile.

I didn't aware the meaning behind the smiles until I read their papers at my home (now). Probably some of them were happy that my Maths time was over but to some... they might be happy to have me as their teacher *beam*

 

I admit that, sometimes I will unintentionally look over small little detail. Sometimes, I will exaggerate small failure into disaster. Sometimes I will too focus in the big goal and forget to appreciate the relationship I have with my students.

Teaching is not just a job but something beyond the job. If you really care for the children, there is no fine line in describing your job scope as a teacher.

 

Thank you guys for the wonderful experience.
Let’s work hard together in achieving our dreams. Promise

<3

What the FROG?

I have never taken frog seriously until lately, I am paying more attention to this creature – since Thursday.

 

I am serious! Like yesterday, when I was walking in the mall to do my long-time-no-do window shopping (ever since become a teacher, I am even conscious of my own spending. So, window shopping is what I did. No different when I was a student =.= ), my eyes keep spotting Frog items such as frog mug, frog soft toy, frog bottle, frog slipper, frog handphone bag, frog keychain and frog, frog froogg.. >.<

 

Before this, my focus is more on Panda because it is my casual jokes on Calv – because his eyes really like panda when he didn’t sleep well.

 

But now.. the focus is on the green creature because lately, Teach For Malaysia fellows were being invited to attend training organized by Frog in KL to explore the possibilities for future collaboration using technology in our classrooms. Here are the badges I received from their freebies. Yay! =D

 

 
Free cute badges I received from Frog *happy* ;)

 

Doesn’t it just sound 21st Century type of workshop? If you are wondering why is FROG being mentioned frequently, I shall clear your curiosity *tune in to deep, professional voice*. Frog or known as

 

“The Frog Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is a web-based learning system that replicates real-world learning by integrating virtual equivalents of conventional concepts of education. For example, teachers can assign lessons, tests, and marks virtually, while students can submit homework and view their marks through the VLE. Parents can view school news and important documents while school administrators can organize their school calendars and disseminate school notices via the Internet”. (Ctl C + V)

 

For more information, visit their website here.

 

And guess what? Frog is working together with Teach For Malaysia in all selected 17 schools in KL, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. It is awesome!  Imagine the possibility of using use technology for virtual learning in the classroom. Students are engaged, their achievement improved and you become happier teacher =)

 

A random photo of our #TFM LDOs – Sarah, Giles, Sawittri and Shannon.

 

If you can’t imagine how technology is used in the typical non-conditioning classroom in Malaysia, the photo below are good examples. They were taken during Teach For Malaysia Week when Datin Kathleen visited my school at SMK Jalan Reko with the Frog team. They brought 30+ chrome books (or known as netbook), projector and own internet 4G connection from Yes.

 

It was really cool! I can imagine myself learning with teacher who use chrome book, projector and fast speed wireless in the classroom tho I will never get the chance to taste it like a student… =(

   

Behind the scene team. My students were nervous and excited at the same time with all the attention given on them. Lol…

 

We are currently at the brainstorming stage to explore, discover and work on every possibility that we think will success and helpful for both the teacher and students. The only concern I have now is, will this sophisticated idea help the students to succeed in academic? Will the teacher save more time in teaching when implementing this method? Will all these prepare the students to be a better learner? I don’t know and I would like to find out.

 

For me, I will just need a projector, a speaker and a laptop if I want to implement this virtual classroom concept. I did it before in my Form 1 Civic class and received full engagement and participants from my students.

 

 

They even came out with creative ideas that I have never thought of. Well, technology can truly enrich the experience for both teachers and students.
But why my teachers never did that on me geh? =(

 

Well, back to my 2 days training at Jalan Sentul, KL with the passionate frog teams. The experience was really fun, enriching, inspiring and touching with all the efforts given by both Frog and Teach For Malaysia teams. Our goals are aligned, and no matter how far the discussion been brought to, the end product will still FTK – For The Kids.

 

Besides FTK, there is still FUA – For Us All.. =P

 

Our breakfast, tea time and lunch were attended warmly by the team.

See. So nice their cinnamon buns with topping.

 

I have never eaten something as nice as this. They even got the best scorn in town! I wonder why they have such a great taste? I thought they just eat flies and bugs?Impressive! =D

 

In the end of the day, we did group discussions between TFM and Frog teams. We used mahjong paper to brainstorm and our final products received recognition from the Frog! We managed to make it through for Frog’s Wall Of Fame! Famous~~ * proud for no reason*

 

This is my team’s product. Everyone brainstormed and came out with idea while I wrote and drew on the paper using marker pen. I pretty like how it turned out, especially with the frog. Now I know! Must be the cute mascot of Frog that made me having a crush on the real green creature (which I never really liked before because of the mucus and it jumps!).

 

The training was so awesome that I didn’t get the chance to do my ‘eggie’s-fashionable-note-taking’. OMG! The way they presented their material using Prezie were too attractive while the presenter showed infectious  persona. As a result, my concentration was fully on them and hardly on my purple sketchbook.

 

  I leave a large space with the hope that I could doodle what I had learned in the past two days. Now I am in day 2 after the training and it still remains empty. Lol..

 

Dunno how Captain America came into the mind when the presenter gave an example of a scene. And shit! I don’t know is Captain America real name is Steve?

 

Anyway, ya.. That's all about Frog. FROG! *jump jump*

 

P/s: Should I fund raising for a projector so that my students can benefit from it? If yes, where and how can I start it?

 

P/s/s: I won a first prize for winning the highest vote for my Frog site design (not too sure what does it call =.=!) so I got a Yes 4G top up credit from Frog. Awesome! I received a dongle from Datin Kathleen during TFMweek. Now, I can have some free credit and try it out at school. Thank you Frog and Yes! Yes! =D

 

*update*
I changed the blog post title from Frog to What The Frog. Feel cuter and unique. Lol.. what the frog =P

Shaolin Naughty Attempt

I attended a training today with Frog Malaysia and it was seriously an amazing experience. It starts from the title of the training itself, Exploring Sites Beyond Classroom. Teach for Malaysia and Frog are collabrating for the benefit of students, teachers, parents and school.

 

I shall share more about this in my coming post because I would want to highlight some naughty stuff I did during in the training (when the session hasn’t started lah. I am still a good student besides a great teacher. lol).

 

After months of teaching, I finally got the chance to play with my webcam. You only got to play when you are free. So, here I am with my light-and-easy-mode. It started with a very pure idea of taking picture of myself.

 

 

However, as soon as I realized Brian and Andrew were in the screen as well, my brain started to do some naughty noises. As you can see, Brian on my left in this picture has just got his new haircut. So, what I did was…. trying to point at him.

 

 

But then, it wasn’t fun to just pointing at the person without any message or remark.. so… I did this…

 

 

But the writing wasn’t clear enough, so I edited and become this….

  

It was a great idea to color the words with pen but then, the model start to move around because the discussion had started.

 

 

Not giving up, I made another attempt. The other model, Andrew started to talk too. So, I don’t find it successful. So, I took another photo with myself drawing closer to the camera.

  

The result was good. The word is clearly seen, my expression was natural and the models were quietly seated. However, I feel something is missing. I realized that Andrew wasn’t as ‘Shaolin’ as he appears to be. He has too many hair compare to Brian.

 

A light bulb idea came to the mind when Joyce and Kugahn suggested to change Andrew with another eligible person, and he is……

 

 

Giles, my own LDO (Leadership Development Officer) in Teach For Malaysia. Lol… Both of them are so alike and truly a Shaolin Master. Yiieeeeeeeeaaaaaakkkkkk!!

 

P/s: Am I a naughty girl? No.