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<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhile my friends interned the semester away in Glassfil Polymer Sdn Bhd, I was passing the semester in UCSI University by doing what I do best: teaching. It honestly brings me so much joy to teach, to work with students who are eager to learn and to contribute to their success. I am by no means as qualified as a lecturer but I felt that it was easier for students to relate to another student like me who had gone through what they are going through at that time. What I mean to say is that I understood the subject inside and out and am aware of the challenges student might encounter while studying it. Thus, I was able to prepare material to target those challenges. It was heart-melting to see my mentees appreciate my effort and it was what kept me going that semester. I spared no effort in making sure that they understood everything taught to them. That semester was hands down the best teaching experience of my degree life. I had an overwhelming amount of support from my lecturers and faculty and the number of mentees who attended my classes were through the roof! I had 40-50 students attending my revision classes and had to shift to bigger venues to accommodate their seating arrangements. It honestly was the best PAL class I had ever had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nTowards the end of the semester, I was able to reflect on why I love teaching so much. Teaching meant sharing my knowledge with someone eager to learn and having that knowledge contribute to the betterment of the student\u2019s life. It was essentially helping others with what you have learned so they can go on to help themselves and other peoples. It made me realize that teaching, to me, was a form of altruism. From different experiences in my life, I had learned that I find joy in putting someone else\u2019s needs above my own. Till this day no matter how busy I am, I still find time to teach as I don\u2019t consider it a chore but a hobby of mine. Earlier this month, I had the chance to discuss with my role model, Dr Yeap Swee Pin, just about this matter to which he expressed the same sentiments. To be able to teach is a gift, and to me, it grew into a form of therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It delights me when my mentees acknowledge my efforts. I specifically recall an Organic Chemistry student of mine stopping to say, \u201cHi,\u201d at the Block C bus stop. I almost didn\u2019t recognize her but she introduced herself saying that I taught her Organic Chemistry in January 2018 and that she is so thankful for my efforts. It wasn\u2019t a conversation that I was expecting to have that day and I couldn\u2019t be more grateful to hear her kind words. And my lecturers are amazing people. They recognize my teaching efforts and make it a priority to support me in any way they could. Earlier this year I was struggling with the military occupation of my home country, Myanmar, and I was finding it impossible to balance my Final Year Project, Capstone Project, my chemical engineering subjects, and the two challenging fourth-year subjects I had signed up to teach. My academic performance was declining but my lecturers gave me the strength and support I needed to emerge of top. My teaching was also facilitated by my lecturers who constantly checked up on me offering their words of appreciation and encouragement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am someone who suffer from mental health issues and I am not alone in this. With my background and the economic status of my country (now heavily worsened due to the military coup), I am unable to actively seek therapy or treatment. From this platform I would like to remind you that if you are struggling with your mental health, engaging in a hobby (such as teaching) and spiritual activity helps. Please do not feel like talking about your mental health is a weakness. Exercise helps. Getting a good night\u2019s rest helps. Eating healthy helps. Taking the day off to relax helps. You are not alone and I truly wish that you have a passion as strong as teaching is for me. Once you start impacting others\u2019 lives positively, you will notice positive and rewarding changes in your self as well! However, always remember that we must care for ourselves before we can extend a helping hand to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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