“A Great teacher is an inspiration”. This means that they never fail to inspire their students and the people around them. I have found great pleasure in learning and teaching language for as long as I can remember. Whenever I look at my past life, I realize I have had an inherent desire for teaching. In my younger days, I always opted to play in school rather than play at home with my siblings. Despite the degree of teaching that I may pursue, I knew that teaching was my ultimate desire. Whether I was referred to as a nursery school teacher, an ‘ustazah’ (a person who teaches religion), a primary or high school teacher or a professor in college or university, I knew what my target was: to become a teacher.
However, the path to becoming a teacher was an easy one. The decision to become a teacher was almost crushed. My parents did not give me much of a chance to become what I wanted to be after college. At that point in life, I felt that I was denied the chance to fulfill my dream. I had already chosen to further my studies and take to Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). On the contrary, I was forced to take science stream at a matriculation college. To my parents, and the society in general, science stream is by far the most important and superior of all other subjects. As a result, I got enough marks to secure a place in the university. At university level, my matriculation results denied me a chance to take TESL as a course. Fortunately, I managed to pull my self together in my second semester. I decided to improve on the course I was doing so that I would improve on my grade and from then on get above 3.0 each semester. Despite all these hurdles, I did not give up my dream of pursuing teaching as a career. In my fourth semester, I went to appeal to the Academic Department for a course change from Bachelor of English to a Bachelor of Education. However, I received a letter a few weeks later stating that the program would not accept new students. This was in regard to the quota approved by the ministry of education was up to capacity.
Even though I lacked an opportunity to teach, I took up any events that would require me to teach or share knowledge. Such programs like the National Language Camp organized by the University of Putra, Malaysia in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development for school children is still very memorable as I had the role of a facilitator. The event was tiresome but I did not stop to relax. It was very exhilarating and it offered personal satisfaction that I had been dying for. The experience of teaching the students was very overwhelming. Whenever I involve myself in programs that require teaching English to school children or in orphanages always elicits much passion. It rouses me to become a volunteer in other programs as well as being a teacher in programs that involve community service or deal with the disabled. I have since learnt that we can be inspiring in a great many ways. When I was a Liaison Officer (L.O) in the FESPIC games in 2006, cultural differences brought out the best in me. Being a L.O implies that you shoulder the burden of being the connection between the designated contingent and the outside world during their stay in Malaysia. Being foreigners, they do not understand our ways, culture, language, or how activities go on in our country. Our main task was to facilitate their stay in our country as well as tend to their needs at any time they request. Though it was challenging, I found it to be a rewarding experience. Our leadership skills were brought to test as we learnt to execute our tasks independently. The most rewarding part was the opportunity to communicate with different people from different countries. It was an honor being an ambassador for my country.
Presently, with a pointer of 3.75 in my masters program, am glad that things turned out the way they did. As ambassadors, we were required to be on top of our game. We had to be committed, dedicated, and efficient and not to mention punctual at all times. Another important aspect that was to be portrayed as we showed them around the school was the importance we placed on our values. They were to be relayed inform of politeness, respect, and unity of our culture. This shaped me to becoming a success-driven individual who would stop at nothing to achieve his dreams. This enthusiasm to become a better person has roused my passion and led me to apply for a chance to pursue the career of my dreams and achieve the immeasurable experience acquired from teaching.
In summary, I am who I am because of the significant life experiences that have shaped me. I believe that my passion and enthusiasm for teaching and learning language satisfy the longing I have for in life. I further believe that I have a great deal to give back to the institution that helps me realize my potential and improve in teaching, learning, and life in general.
