(Class on Septermber 2011)

But take heart, things will improve. Things are probably improving as you are reading this now. Go to classes. Drag your feet there even if you don't feel like doing it. Try to bring some meaning into your daily lessons. Get to know your friends. Care for them. Talk to them. Get interested in them. Help them. And don't be shy to ask for help. Remember, they are in the same boat as you. They would love nothing more than to find a friend in you too. Accept them for who they are and they will do the same for you.

The lecturers might seem unreachable, given their position and the incredible amount of work that they have to do. But get to know them too. Talk to them in class. Ask them questions. Clear your doubts. Do not forget; they are your role models. They have years of experience and probably more in their field. They would only be too happy to impart some words of wisdom to you. It is my belief that all teachers; whether in schools or colleges or universities; are idealistic and believe in the greater good. They can and will help you, if you are sincere about helping yourself and are serious in the field that you choose; for the greater good.

In my case, I graduated with a Bachelors Degree (Hons) in English. From the beginning, I know I want to be in education field one day. I want to teach and guide my students along the right path, just like how my teachers used to guide me, even though I didn't realize it at that time. I model myself after all my former teachers and also the lecturers who have taught me in UTAR.

The way they handle students with compassion; the way they get interested in students and always talk to them, care for them, help them and guide them with the proper knowledge and wisdom; I took into account everything that they did and said in class. I dare say I learned a lot from them. I am now a teacher and who I am today I owe it in a very big way, to my teachers too.

I am teaching in a school right now and I am still learning a lot from my fellow colleagues and friends. In fact, learning always takes place subconsciously. For instance, during our daily conversation, they would always drop in some tips and hints and timely advice or share some useful teaching activities with me. Once, I attended my colleague's reunion dinner with his teaching college mates, and I had the chance to talk to a retired teacher. I realized he had abundance of precious wisdom to impart and I willingly, the listener. He told me that students come to school not only to acquire knowledge, but also to acquire social skills, to develop their spirituality, to be healthy and strong in body and mind and also to gain mastery and understanding of their emotions.

 "Students learn not because they are smart or intelligent; they learn because they love you. Care for them and they will learn because of your genuine love for them." Those words stuck in my mind until now.

The point of my story is that you must be serious of your chosen field. You get serious by thinking of what you want to do with it; how you could contribute and change the world to a better place; how much of your future you want it to be a part of. If you want to do it your whole life, then you are probably serious about it. And that's great. If you don't want, that's ok too. Something may come along and make you realize that a change is necessary. Listen to your heart. And always talk to your friends and teachers. Be sincere in what you do and everything will fall into places, eventually. God works in mysterious ways. His plan unfolds when you are ready for it.

Remember, when the student is ready, the teacher will come. Have fun with your friends and teachers. Talk to them and make them a part of your life; Get involved. Be yourself. Be sincere.

All the decisions and actions you have taken in your life have brought you this far. Your parents and teachers play significant roles in your life. Now it depends on you. The future of our younger generation and the fate of the world rest on your shoulders. Carry them well. You can do it. You are born for it. And deep down in your heart, you know it.