Dedicated to my former Students

To my students whom I used to teach.

I am writing this after many years of not blogging because I feel that if one day you found my blog, at least you know how you have changed me as a person.

All my life, I have never known anyone who is like any of you. Maybe I did, but it was not known. I pursued my studies in Psychology, and I studied about human development, personality disorders and of course a topic on special needs. I was interested in a topic called Autism but I did not go that way. But there was when I found all of you.

You were my first job, first days, first batch of students and some of you my second. Little did you know, you changed me. I learn more about myself. I came in to you as me. The me that I was who is:

• Happy-go-lucky
• Caring and kind
• Always smiling
• Amicable
• Approachable

You rarely saw a frown unless you turn my day upside down. I was not accepted for who I was. I was required to be stern, fierce, just because all of you were different. Maybe that's their mentality and who we were supposed to be and rules to follow.

But I can't be that person no matter how hard I tried. I was rebellious towards the system because I empathized with what you told me. 

• About not being accepted in the mainstream
• About people looking down on you even the ones you seek comfort in
• About not doing well enough to go to a secondary school just because you could not catch up
• About being thrown unkind words

I cannot bring myself to be the one person who criticizes you for every single thing. I brought myself in as someone you could talk to and seek help.

But some people just don't get it. X means X. Y means Y. Black means Black. White means White.

I don't promise anyone something they cannot achieve. I reward according to plans that I want them to achieve.

But shit happens! It caused me a lot when things got out of hands. I accepted it and I move on. It was not easy. It was the most difficult years of my life then but I did it!

I know some of you:

• Smokes
• Have tattoos
• Pierce everywhere
• Groupee(s)

I cannot stop you. But I also feel that I have failed you. I am disappointed in myself. When you talk to me and tell me what is happening to you. I feel helpless. I just cannot help you. I am a nobody to you. You will definitely not listen.

But you have to know, you made me a better person. I appreciated life more the time I interacted, communicated, understood every single one of you.

I am proud of your achievements in Special Olympics and events that you have participated.

I love every single one of you for who you are as a person. You are not perfect. I am not perfect too. We have our own imperfections. Don't let this imperfections rule us. Be true to yourself. Be confident. Stand tall. Just remember that,

"YOU WERE GIVEN THIS LIFE BECAUSE                  YOU ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO LIVE IT!"

Just press the COMMENT button to leave me a message!

With love,
M.