Day 246: Pride and Joy

One of the gazillion things I love about being a mom is watching my children absorb the things they encounter everyday like sponges. Their learning potential is truly at its peak right now that they're in preschool and primary ages. 

Ever since starting formal school almost 3 years ago, Jarred Andrei, my firstborn, has developed in leaps and bounds from the very first time he held a pencil in his hand and attempted to write. Sure, he was an excellent verbal communicator but he was weak in reading and writing then. 

My little man has grown a lot since then and has achieved far greater than I have ever imagined he would. It was a mother's pride that nearly made me shed tears when I got up on stage to pin his ribbons during the 1st Quarter Recognition Day today. He was 2nd Honors in both the Chinese and English Departments. I was overwhelmed with joy as I saw that sparkle in his eye. It certainly made me think that all those hours labored over exam reviewers were well worth it.

Day 193: Long Test Blues

The reality that a new school year has started only hits me when the need for lengthy review comes along. During Jarred's preschool days, I prepare reviewers right before his quarterly exams. Now that he's in primary school, they have monthly long tests on top of the big quarterly ones. His first monthly long examination falls on this date today and tomorrow. The downside of having this new system is the frequency of reviewing and doing of sample tests but it's really more of an advantage because he gets to review each chapter lengthily in preparation for the quarterly exams. On my end, it's also good because even though I need to prepare the reviewers monthly, each one is shorter than what I used to do for quarter exams and this time, I only need to combine the tests I do for each month to prepare for the big one. 

Day 48: A Tutor's Pride

In my years as an online English tutor, the phrase "I passed!" is music to my ears.  Since 2006, I've been helping foreigners learn the English language.  Some just want to learn the basic English grammar while the bulk of my students are those studying to pass a particular English exam like IELTS, TOEFL or TOEIC.  Passing these exams are part of their goal in life - whether to enable them to work, study or migrate to a foreign country.

Just imagine my joy when I got this email from one of students.  It literally brought tears to my eyes.  In the short time that we've spent together in class, I've come to know a lot about her struggles in learning English.  With this piece of great news, I can really say "She's come a long way, baby!"

It is in times like these that I am reminded of how awesome it is to be a teacher...it is not a job but a vocation.  And though I'm sad that very soon, my student and I will have to part ways, I am filled with the thought that wherever she may go, she will carry a part of me in her as I carry a part of her in my heart.

To Tomo: "Congratulations my dear!  Spread your wings and soar...chase after your dreams and fulfill them!  It has been a great honor and privilege to teach you."