Despite it was just an ordinary experience others may find it; to me personally, it’s such a mind-opener throughout my 28 years of life which somehow had very much changed the way I think. I would love to share the points of happiness, humanity and responsibilities I have obtained for these past two years (plus) as a PLV, lest, there’s a written masterpiece stating that I was once a teacher on the Land of Hornbill.
“ILP MIRI, SARAWAK”
People with long lobed ears and
holes at the top of their ears, converse in a weird lingo, long-houses by the
river, and there were many more things came across my mind whilst reading my appointment
letter two years (plus) back in Putrajaya.
I’ve never been to any part of Sarawak, and culture wise I don’t have any idea. All I
know, Miri has a bigger city than my town, as seen on TV. Hehe... But being mixed-up with their community during my matriculation
time years before, I felt rare and uncommon to what I have used to in my own hometown.
Although we are in the same Borneo region, the
language itself was already had an obvious difference to me and what with the
others. I’m not being racist, nor is looking down on people race, as mine might
felt weird though to others. Only that I aware, I need to be more adaptive and
mature enough as a working adult. Well, just look from the bright side and have
fun.
What worrying me much at the
beginning is how it looks like being a teacher to the school leaver with a
lower education level ( I wish I could replace these words but can’t find any
better), which people commonly relate to lower attitude level (How far is it
from the truth?). Can I be a good teacher? Can I handle them? (Because I am not
that good though). Can I work together with the people there? Will the
community in that place accept me to be part of them? Yes, I was way too naive
at the beginning. Lots of “Can I” and “Will they” questions sprung up in mind that
slightly bothered me.
At the very first step entering ILP
Miri, Encik Badrulzeman and Encik Suhadi were among the earliest people I’ve
met here, with another two friends of mine. These two kind-hearted men were
helpful enough to assist us during our goods-unloading time at the quarters and
what an honour to have their assistance besides knowing them. I can feel the heartiest
welcome expressed and they were really nice people sent from God on this land.
Just in that little while, it already managed to erase all the fears I’ve been
thinking of pointlessly before, and changed my view of everything to the other
way round. Thank you Bros, for you’ve turned it right. Appreciation also goes
to Puan Azlina Omar and Encik Fuhad, who have helped us much earlier, when we
had nothing in hand but clothes.
As fate would have it, living
here ain’t that bad. Instead, it has taught me the meaning of life, leading a
good life by my own. I make friends, build network, do activities I’d love to, I
cook, I eat, I jog every Sunday morning, go to market, etc..etc. What a lovely
life I had. On top of that, I mix up with the students who are always having
the reasons to make me smiles out of nowhere and something to ponder about.
I called one student with his
name few times but he didn’t respond me. But all his friends pointed their
finger at him. Then I said, “ Mak bapak
kamu bagi nama elok-elok, kenapa kamu tak nak mengaku bila saya panggil”.
And it does really offensive to me. Then he said, “Bukan mak bapak saya bagi nama cik, nenek saya yang bagi”. What do
you expect me to do with such a respond? Sabar
jela…
Sometimes they imitate me at
the back with their Iban language. And how do I understand? When I asked what
was going on, they laughed at me, and yet I just let them be. Fine. This is
happened during the first year of service. Now? Try me.
All I managed to learn and
memorize clearly are three Iban words.
Nadai, Pulai, Makai.
“Mana assignment kamu?” -
“Nadai”
Or…
“Cik, dah 12.15. Maok pulai, makai” (Oh hellllo, u guys will dismiss on 12.30 okay)
Knowing and getting close to
them were such a blessing to me. I seldom torture the students with physical
punishment. But my words do killing them somehow. I didn’t know if my style was
right, or wrong. Whether they can accept it or not, they like it, hate it, they
take it right, or have revenge inside, I just didn’t know. It’s all out of my
thought. 2 years isn’t enough for me to learn and understand the art of
teaching. And yet, I admit, my bad. It’s
none of my intention but to get things right and make them think of their
parents and their future.
There was a time when I get
mad of this one student making so much noise in the class. It’s one of my
pet-peeves, when I was teaching, people making noise at the back like nobody’s
business. I’d rather see people lay down on the floor and sleep, than making
noise and disturb the class concentration especially me. I shouted his name
with my stern face. He looked at me with his odd face, as well as the rest. I could
see naughty smiles from some of them. Oh God! I felt guilty when I came to know
that I shouted his father’s name, instead of his name. Bingo.
Well, I love teaching. Everybody
can teach, but not all of us can educate people. Me, myself do not know which
category I am in, as I am an amateur teacher definitely. I remember when I asked a student, why some
people have ‘Anak’ in their middle of
name, and why you don’t have whereas you are Ibanese? She said, “Ya, saya Iban. Tapi saya sendiri tak tahu
siapa ibu bapa saya, mungkin saya anak angkat”. I stunned. Because, she had
married, yet divorced. She has two kids. She is just 2 years younger than me,
yet her determination is undeniable. She is really inspiring me and I was
amazed. Can’t you see? We here might have a way better life than other people
do, but often, we wail over some too little things, if to be compared with
other unluckier people facing something greater, yet pretend to be strong in
their existence. But I believe, however long the night, the dawn will break. And
April shower always bring May flowers. May God bless her.
I don’t know the students
from other sections, but in mine, most of them are sons and daughters of
farmers. Yes, some of them come from a well-being family too. But whoever they
are, their rights have to be respected as much as anyone else. And I wish all
the best in life to all the students.
All in all, I love living in Miri.
Life is just wonderful, and I enjoy my personal life here. Working and living
in Miri does really colour the picture of my life. Indeed, these are precious moments
and days that will never return. One of my hard-learned life lessons is that
time travels in only one direction. I will never get a chance to relive this
very moment. We have all been given the wonderful and miraculous gift of life,
but our time on this earth has a definite expiration date. I reflect on this
simple truth whenever I face a major decision or when I need to reprioritize my
life. I still remember what my teacher said years ago, whatever you do, do the
best. While my friend said, if you do something half-heartedly, you gain
nothing, you give nothing. The absolute satisfaction can’t be measured with
material comfort. I know there’re holes in my career journey, here and there.
But that’s the best I can give till then.
Thank you to Mdm F, for being there
with me through good and bad. One of the most important persons I will never
forget. Also bunch of thanks to all the members of ILP Miri, for the supports,
advices, and for the great and unforgettable moments we have together. And in
the meantime, I would humbly seek for your apology for all my wrongdoings,
words, both intentionally and unintentionally. May we cross path somewhere in
between this life. All the best!
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