I need a mentor(s)

Somehow, along the journey of my life, I need to have a mentor(s) who can help me and give me good advice in making informed judgment and decision.

I think the need for a good mentor is important in one's life as the old saying goes, 'no man is an island'. I'd like to think of this as the need of human to have some forms of healthy dependence on others, not on their material possessions, but on their useful helpful words/lessons which inspire us to grow in greater knowledge and wisdom.

I know having a good mentor is necessary because I used to have one before, and it was a great one.

She was my coordinator back in my university. She knew my English was extremely weak but she never discouraged me from improving. She used to tell me once that I was the only guy that handed in not one but two drafts. *and she smiled* That got me more enthusiastic about learning the language. As years gone by, she helped me through my low moment when I failed my Children Literature. She was there in her office whenever I dropped by her office.

When I was out of ideas, she showed me new directions. She has an open mind and ears which listen to my whinge and worries. When I was not confident with my own abilities, she always said, 'You can do it, Nicky.' 'Just do it.' (like what Nike says) And that brings the best out of me when the best is still far from over.

She is more than a mentor and a coordinator to me. She's a great person. And her name is Jo Carr.

This is why I said I need a mentor. I am not sure if the word advisor can be a substitute for mentor, considering its jargon like financial advisor, political economic advisor, and perhaps teaching advisor? education advisor?

Sometimes (if not most), even the world greatest people have mentors from whom they learn to develop their potentials, like Warren Buffet (Benjamin Graham), Tiong Hiew King (a timber tycoon working for his uncle until 41yo), and Donald Trump (his father, Fred Trump).

growing up

(photo taken from stephen60)

I don't know why November is always a month every teacher has been waiting for until I step into their shoes.

One thing that always tops the busy-November agenda list is Permohonan Perpindahan dalam/antara bahagian atau negeri (Transfer Application for Inter/Intra division/states).

I could reminisce the faces of those teachers when they knew they are leaving for good. They looked as if they had hit a jackpot. Their looks were filled with excitement, amazement, and some of them were speechless.

However, not all of them shared the same exciting feeling. Some of them felt sceptical about leaving. They thought like leaving would mean a new beginning for them, a point where they have to start everything all over again. Some had carried emotional baggage with them that would be hard to let go.

As for me, I felt happy for them. Indeed, my transfer application was denied even before November came. Nonetheless, I am very pleased that I am staying. In fact, it took me a lot of courage to think positive that perhaps this is the best option for me now.

The teachers that are leaving are all experienced teachers who have served for a long time. Their achievements are great and uncounted. I said this before this is the first year I am teaching, and the first year my school is born where all teachers came from different schools to share their expertise in making this school the 2nd best school in Selangau, with an achievement of 77% UPSR passing rate.

These teachers had taught me countless lessons, some of which unpleasant yet truthful. Though we only had one year to know each other that much, I believe God has a plan of his own to bring all of us together and bid each other goodbye the next year.

After this year, we won't be seeing each other that often. If not for any special occasion or kursus somewhere, I don't think we will ever meet each other. Unless someone makes the effort in calling each other up for catch up, there is no need for us to meet up.

As life goes on, as we grow up, our priorities constantly change to make ways for the need of more important agenda. We leave the not-so-important-catch-up agenda for another day. One day when we bump into each other, we smile to each other and say 'why not we have a catch up?' but it never jadi (happen).

I am not trying to be pessimistic or negative about growing up life, but this is what normal people would do. 24 hours isn't that long or much for us after all.

Now, i understand why old people like to thank us when we go and spend some time with them. Because when time passes, it'll never return.

And to these 4 soon-leaving teachers, thanks a lot! We shall meet one day! =)