Dear students,
As I pen down this letter to all of you, it leads me to think of the sweet voices that greet me each working day. Those simple words of greeting not only kickstarts the lesson for the day but on a deeper level affirms why I teach. Not for the sake of hearing the greetings, but more of how, through those words, I am reaching out and touching the different individuals behind those voices.
Education is no longer about just imparting skills and knowledge. As the world becomes more interconnected, it brings people closer to one another. I imagine being a student nowadays can be likened to an employee in a multinational organisation with hundreds of people, holding a highly skilled job that requires one to be on their toes at all times. Not only must the individual embark on on-the-job training and manage human relationships, do problem-solving and handle multiple presentations, he or she has to do these under the direct supervision of your immediate boss, the teacher. If you asked me how your performance ranking was, all of you passed with flying colours!
Being able to go to school is a privilege that some children in this world never had a chance to. Let us then not gripe about the many homework assignments and projects we have to do. Instead, give thanks for every learning opportunity. There is so much to learn in this big, big world that we live in. It is my prayer that school to you, will be a fun house full of surprises, where you look forward to coming in every day and go home at the end of day, with lots of stories to share with your family members. I hope that you will discover the love and joy in learning. When you learn what you love, you love what you learn.
When I think about how blessed we are to live in Singapore, I cannot imagine myself living elsewhere. No matter where the world takes you to in the future, I hope you will always think of coming home, where you first learn about places beyond the little red dot. A place where you feel safe with your loved ones. A place called Singapore.
As you run the race in life, do not let anyone tell you what you cannot do. You cannot control the way and choices people make but you can choose how you respond to it. Dare to dream big. Life is way too short to hang around people who do not make you a better person. Be the best version of your life. Make a difference to the life of others and continue helping as many people as you can because you may need help from them too.
Things of this world will come to pass, but the knowledge and experiences you acquire stays with you for eternity, far more precious than all the treasures in the world. You will make mistakes, just like I did. It is important to have a great sense of humour. Look back and laugh over your silly mistakes. Although you learned it through the harder way, trust me, you will come through as a better person.
I promise to be there for you at all times, to help you be a better person and make wiser decisions. The journey you are taking now, many have gone through it, including me. Your learning journey will be a much smoother one, as your parents and I are with you. When you are sad, remember the good times in PCPS, the happy times spent with your friends, sharing food at the canteen, running wild in the school field or trying to sneak some “me” time in the toilet. Recall the funny faces or jokes made by the class clown or the number of times you cringed when Mrs Chan boomed, with or without her microphone.
To all my students who left a footprint in my life, it has been a great honour and privilege to be called your teacher. Every one of you is a piece of a puzzle in my life and you have definitely helped to bring out the best in me. Now, it is your turn to leave a footprint wherever you are, in your life and in the lives of others. Make a difference! Seize the day! I cannot imagine myself in your shoes, achieving what you have achieved thus far. Thank you for being a part of my life.
Love,
Mrs Melissa Chan
