Tuesday, July 28, 2009

The Unforgettable Teacher



I have had the pleasure of meeting many, many different faces these past weeks, simply because I took up a position in a university. New roomie,(I share an office with her), new colleagues and a brand new boss. I am super pleased to report that I now work 8 hours a day (yeayy!!) like normal, sane members of society and am having a blast so far.


On a different note, I have to confess though, that sometimes, I miss my university (where I completed my postgrad program). My supervisor, lecturers, the community as a whole. I was in complete awe of my supervisor and working with him was the single most greatest experience in my life. So much so, I stayed on some extra months just so I could work on some projects with him.


You see, my supervisor was my one unforgettable teacher. He was an intellectual. He was kind, and smart and very encouraging, and liberal, and patient and really all of the great things I dreamt of in a teacher. I owe my passion in academics to him, I owe my sense of achievement to him, but most of all, my want to become a better human being? All him. Truth is, I never even gave a thought to self improvement/betterment until I met him and spent days (literally) wondering how it was that he could be perfect. Surely, he must have had his fair share of struggles and triumphs. Yet he views everything/everyone with a fresh set of glasses. No projudices or judgements attached. I wanted to be like him. He was my person. So when it was time to move, I did it with a heavy heart, and a constant guilt pang, and a sinking stomach that resurfaced every now and then when I let my mind wander towards my unfulfilled dreams.

Today, however, after a whole year, I had the privilege of meeting a certain professor at a training session, who once (a year ago)struck me as the kind of person I would want to work with. Again, he is kind, and smart and really someone I look up to. I have done my research on the topics he covers, the man that he is and his various achievements. So with mybreath held, I gathered whatever was left of my courage to speak with him during the lunch break. I told him of my research topic and my plans. He paused, I fidgeted anxiously. He took a breath, and said, " It'll be my pleasure."


I am ecstatic. :):)


So tell me,girls, who are your unforgettable teachers? What made them your unforgettable teacher?


Tuesday, July 14, 2009

For Mari



Today I want to talk about one of my favourite readers, Mari. She is the nicest, kindest, most loving and strongest human person I have come across Despite going through an extremely challenging time in her life right now, she has shown love, care and strength to all around her. I will not go into the details, but Id like to propose we send a prayer to her and her family, so they can continue savouring each day whilst bravely trudging on.


Sending love your way.This one is for you, Mari.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Through Rose-Tinted Glasses


I took some time off this weekend to reconnect with family and friends. Oh, and what a treat it was! From the warm conversations to delicious meals and the swirly fuzzy feeling afterward, this weekend turned out to be one of the more memorable ones. Also, rediscovered (I was a fan in my teens) my love for Jeffrey Archer novels. I was clearing up my drawers, when I found the Sons of Fortune novel nestled in a corner, all dusty and yellow, but bringing back memories of many, many lovely rainy nights and me tucked under warm covers devouring every word.

Time and again, I am reminded that every single day is indeed beautiful. Today, I witnessed the most beautiful speech by Paris Jackson. And today, I spent a whole half hour playing with my 4 year old cousin. For breakfast, I had the most delicious cookie and cream muffin. I ate only a quarter, but it was well worth the indulgence. Speaking of indulgences, I also rediscovered my love of iced lemon tea. Nothing like it in the world.

Its been positive and uplifting, these 5 days. It feels spiritual.