Live & die as a teacher?

Looking at the excited faces of these graduates of Reliance College brings back so many warm memories.

Not long ago, I was hanging around the customer service office of the spanking new Robinsons Store at The Gardens in Mid Valley City when I noticed an attractive young lady who could not seem to take her eyes off me. I was more curious than flattered.

Finally, she approached me and introduced herself as my former student in Reliance College. Oh goodness, I felt really embarrassed for not recognizing her. On the other hand, how do you expect me to recognize her when she looked transformed in her smart trouser suit, radiant face and well-groomed hair?

We had a short but lively chat. I bombarded her with questions about her career development since she left college. She said she gained extensive experience working in different places and environments, and decided to move from the hospitality industry to the retail industry. I am sure she will excel in her chosen field, and I am so proud of her.

That chance meeting enhanced my belief that a teacher's job is a noble one. A teacher serves society by grooming the youths of today to be the adults of tomorrow.

A college such as Reliance College is a student's stepping stone to the job market. The college provides its students with teachers and lecturers who teach, guide and help the youths step into the adult world confidently, skilfully and purposefully.

Many years ago, I was in Dayabumi Complex when a smart young officer from the complex security department came up to me, and said he was my former student in a rural secondary school. He kept calling me “cikgu”, the Malay word for teacher. I said I was no longer his teacher. He replied, “According to Malay tradition, once you’re my teacher, you’re forever my teacher.”

Wow, it looks like I have no choice but to live and die as a teacher! I’m not complaining though.

Malaysian Currency, Indian Family

I looked at Maniam with awe and admiration. He is a travelling gardener and all-purpose guy for menial tasks. My friend moved house and got Maniam to help to move the furniture, household appliances, audio video equipment and even the garden plants. Some of the things were as heavy as lead. But, to Maniam nothing is impossible.

My friend gave away an old TV to Maniam. I saw him tying the 5okg TV to the pillion seat of his motorbike. I asked him what he was trying to do. He said he was going back to his house and the TV would be riding pillion. But, his house is not down the street. It is 20km away! And, he has to travel through a stretch of highway. Can you imagine the 50kg TV wobbling on the pillion seat? What if it topples off?

I firmly told Maniam I would help him to transport the TV in my car. On the way, I began to interview him.

"How many children do you have?"
"Two. A boy and a girl."
"They are lucky to have you as their father. You work very hard."
"My children live in India."
"India? Are you Malaysian?"
"Yes, I'm Malaysian. But, my wife is from India, so my children live in India."
"How often do you see your children?"
"Twice a year"
"So, you see your wife only twice a year?"
"No, she comes here every three months."
"Why do you choose to live like this?"
"My children will have a better future in India. I send all my money to them."
"How do you spend your time here without your family?"
"With friends. I share a rented house with a group of friends. I share my room with two other people."

I'm still trying to understand Maniam. Why is he willing to make such sacrifices? Has he been misled, brainwashed or has my country failed to convince him that it can offer his children a good future?