my job

my job is not glamorous. it doesn't require rocket science knowledge. it doesn't even help shape knowledgeable future leaders for the country.

but it doesn't mean it's less significant. or less challenging.

a big majority of people would say that i waste my time in higher education. since i don't get big bucks or elevated status from my job. "it's just teaching only mah."

yes. i do worry a little that i might not have enough retirement funds or the means to support my brother in the future. and i do feel guilty for not providing my parents some respite financially and still depend on them in a lot of ways. but well, this is what i feel i have to do. and the gut feeling triumphs over practicality for now. so i'll worry about the funds much much later. and i'm really grateful and blessed to have my parents' support.

my job requires a huge ball of passion. and positive thinking. and patience. and endurance. EQ. alert mind. understanding. agile body. and good people skills.

a lot of those i'm working hard to build up.

i've had people asking me whether my psychology degree is useful in my job. to a certain extent, yes. coz of the prior exposure to special needs individuals and coping strategies and various theories. it helps me understand and more easily accepting of the strategies used in handling inappropriate behaviours and motivating students. however, it didn't prepare me enough for all those important requirements mentioned above. all that i am learning through experience and generous people sharing their experiences with me.

and a lot of people don't understand how taxing it is to teach just because i don't have to impart or employ rocket science knowledge. and sad to say, some teachers don't even know this and just go about their business indifferently.

sometimes i feel very discouraged when people give me the oh-you're-teaching-special-needs-kids look. what? is teaching special needs children such a crappy job? you think i don't have high intelligence is it? mind you find out how i did in exams first before making that judgement. and it's even worse for those who have an idea what kind of a student i was.

well, so sorry to disappoint you, mr, mrs and misses. i choose to follow my gut and passion and i'm loving it though i have my down times i almost went crazy for not being able to get a grip on myself. and i have no regrets. i only regret that you harbour this kinda opinion.

thank you very much.