May Allah Bless All Teachers

Teacher's Day was last week. During last week and the week before it, Daughter A had been busy reminding me about it. Finally, we got her cards, chocolates and a vase for her to give to her teachers. She was happy, of course. She said few teachers had actually hugged her when she gave them the cards. She did look a little bit embarassed though, but still she was happy.

When I was in school, primary and secondary, Hari Guru was usually welcomed with Pot-Luck parties. We would bring food from home and have makan-makan with the teachers. This was especially when I was in primary school. I don't remember giving any gifts or cards. That was because I didn't have money. But I remember singing and dancing for them.

Looking back, I sort of miss those times. Happy times indeed. School was so fun. The teachers were great. The one I remember the most even until now is Cikgu Wan Yusoff. He was my first grade teacher. Firm but friendly and jovial, and very dedicated. My first impression on school was very much influenced by him, I must say.

My first 'public-speaking session' was in his class, when he made me read AEIOU loudly and clearly. You see, I had not attended kindergarten, and thus that first class was my first formal ABC lesson. But weird, I don't remember feeling shy or afraid. In fact, I remember reading the AEIOU clearly and confidently. For some times, some parents who had sent their children and been present during the 'first public-speaking', would sing AEIOU whenever they saw me in the kampung. It gave me a nice feeling and sort of encouraged me to do well in school. The credit should go to Cikgu Wan Yusoff. He had helped me enjoy school days.

I don't know where is he now and wonder if he's still 'around'. The last time I saw him when he came visit us on the day M left us to see God in 1989. He gave Mother money in an envelope donated by school teachers. He had been close to M too like he had been to me other brothers. In fact, I saw tears in his eyes and remember him muttering that it was a pity someone as brilliant as M had to go that way. Such a dedication, a mark of a good and committed teacher, whose profession went beyond classroom.

He was 40 something when I first entered school. Maybe Cikgu Wan is about 70 something now. If he is still around, I hope he is well and happy. I hope Allah bless him with good life in this and after world. I also hope to see him one of these days.

Other teachers that have left me (or I left them) with interesting memories (good and bad) are Cikgu Sulaiman, who taught English, Cikgu Jabedah (Bahasa), Cikgu Mohd Nor (Mathematic), Cikgu Norwawi (English), Cikgu Norizan (English), Gurubesar, also by the name Cikgu Mohd Nor (Moral), Cikgu Wan Hassan Wan Dagang (Bahasa), Ustaz takingatnamabutingat wajah (agama) and others.

In secondary school, there were Cikgu Maimunah, whom I remember most due to her dedication in teaching us English, Cikgu Halim (was so dissapointed I didn't well in Geography), Cikgu Mohd Ali (smoked like a dragon although he was a disciplinary teacher), Cikgu Latifah (so garang in teaching us Math skills), Cikgu Rohaiza (Bahasa), Cikgu Johari (so 'liberal' in his 'science' approach), Cikgu Juwariah (who became blind and given clerical job), Cikgu Saripah (also hostel warden), Ustaz Man and Cikgu Bob or Iskandar (who coached me Ping Pong and Badminton). Others I still remember their faces though not all their names.

Also, I will not forget Ustaz Daud or Tok Su Ud, who taught me Agama for the afternoon class. And Tok Cik Hajar, who helped refine my Quranic reading although I didn't Khatam with her. They are also Grandma's friends and neighbours.

These are all people who have helped shaped me to be who I am today. May Allah bless them all.
Teachers used to be very respected those days. They still are although, to a certain extent, the respect has diminished a bit. I'm glad that my daughter holds her teachers so dear in her heart.

To all teachers, Happy Teacher's Day. Thank you very very much for your good service. May the dedication and committment ... and the PATIENCE continue.