Cikgu Hayati – My Malay teacher who encouraged me to continue writing poetry. I remembered the note she wrote for me on my last day of Secondary School… she wrote "Teruskan tarian penamu."
Cikgu Fauziah – The strict Malay teacher who taught me discipline, and Independence.
Mrs Chandra – My sec 4 form teacher who didn't scorn my decision to pursue a Polytechnic diploma when 90% of the school chose to go to a JC to take A level and have a shorter route to the local University.
My sister, Kak Long – Who drilled me in my E maths in sec 4. Who, within 3 months from Prelims to the O levels, pushed me to be able to pull my grades up from F9 to an A1. Who said to me "it is better to be a Big fish in a small pond, rather than be just be another fish in the pond". She supported me in my decision to pursue my course of study, Film, Sound and Video, in Poly. She made me promise to work hard to get a Diploma with Merit, and be the top 10% of my cohort….. A big fish, in the small pond.
Mr. Tan Chin Boo – My class advisor in Poly. Taught me Audio Technology and Electronic Music. He believed in my abilities, and made me pursue leadership roles, even though I was among the youngest in the class.
Mr. Erik Jan Wander – My first Photography lecturer. Also taught me BW darkroom Photography, and Experimental Film. He taught me the meaning of reading the picture, rather than just seeing it. He was able to see through my photos, my emotions, and the message I want to put through. He made me believe in myself, and made me believe everyone has a story, and that each story is important. He started the love of Photography in me.
Mr. Jurgen Frenz. The German dude who taught me Multitrack Recording in Poly. He also taught me how to listen, and appreciate music in detail. The story and emotions every instrument brings. The aesthetics. The works.
Mr. Quek Boon Hui. My first band conductor in Primary School. Taught me to play the Trumpet. Made me believe in myself. Gave me, the 10 yr old who was soft-spoken and reserved at that time, my first ever Trumpet solo…. Which I played at the Great Australian Music Festival in 1995, in Brisbane, Australia. Who kindled my love for music.
To my best friend, Hani, who is also a teacher, but in a childcare center. You touch the lives of your children, and of course you've touched mine.
To the beloved "Holysticks". Uncle Ee, Big Bro J, Neo, Vince, Hocky and Riduan… I'm constantly learning from them, be it drawing, animation knowledge, or working life….
Last but not least, to my beloved students and ex-students. As I try to teach them, I find myself learning even more. Taught me the meaning of patience and understanding.
To everyone, a very Happy Teachers' Day.
p/s: to all the students. Thanks for the Teacher's Day gift. You guys really know me. I love the gifts.
