I’ve got a message from a former student that I taught when I did my LI (Latihan Ikhtisas). I taught him for less than 2 months because he changed to different school (He cannot get good marks for Arabic language subjects. I know that learning Arabic language and learning subjects in Arabic language is not easy. I had experienced it before). He asked if I still remember him. Well, for one thing it is not that difficult to remember students with special characteristics. He is one of the most attentive and hardworking students that I ever have (in comparison to last year form 4 students). He always tries his best to complete any task that I gave him. He would not hesitate to come to meet me after school (which meant that I would have to go back a little bit late than usual). Sometimes, he would ask to carry my stuff (teachers always have lots of stuff that they bring to school and back home!). While walking to my car, we would have a quick chat which sometimes could prolong into a long chat – we would continue to chat while standing beside my car even in a hot sunny day until it was ‘Asr prayer.
I still vividly remember his last at school, 14 February 2019 (Thursday). It was a hot day. I feel sad because how I wish that he would stay longer but again, I was ending my short stint as a teacher as well in the end of February. I gave him an exercise book and I wrote a little note for him. While doing that, his mom was looking at us because apparently, I was the only teacher who gave him a farewell gift. Well, he is a special student who is worth my time, money and attention (tongue in cheek remark!)
He felt guilty because he did not prepare anything for me. I told him that I don’t expect anything from him in return but I want him to promise that he will never give up no matter how challenging things can be. I wished him all the best and off he went back with his mom. His mom shook my hand while leaving the teachers’ room.
That is the last time I saw him. When I got a Whatsapp message from him, we had a quick chat and I am glad that he is adjusting quite well (as what he said but he told me that he is worried about Ujian Setara). I told him that he doesn’t need to worry about anything. Allah is always there for us. As long as we give our best shots, Allah Will Always Bless us with the best rewards.
As a teacher, to the world, we are just people but to some people i.e. students, we are the world
