This was my official last day going to school. I wasn’t even supposed to go in this week, but the school wanted me to give my farewell speech this morning. Last week, the Monday assembly was very short due to an early start to the Form 4 exams, so we had to do it this week.
I arrived extra early so that I could give some teachers a small gift. This weekend I printed several photos and put many into frames for the teachers who have made the largest impact on my time – all of the English teachers, the head administrators, and a few others. I also gave photos to many of the other teachers with a short thank you note and a small gift.
I wore the new baju kurung that Rozillah bought and gave me from the BAG – the teacher’s association – at the annual teachers’ dinner on Wednesday night. I received many compliments on it.
The assembly started as usual. I sat in front with the head honchos of the school. The headmaster was not here today, so Haji Anuar gave the farewell speech. First, I had several students speak, very briefly. Three Indian girls from Form 1A said a few words. Next, Ina, from 4A gave a short speech thanking me for everything we did in class and outside of class this year. Tuan Haji Anuar spoke next. As this was one of the last assemblies of the year, he had many items to address with the students, so he spoke for a long time. The end of his speech was about me. And he even addressed me in English. He told the students that at the annual dinner, I said a pantun to end my speech. A pantun is a four lined traditional Malay poem used as a form of expression often said at important gatherings. He recited the one I said for the students, and then responded to it. (it happened to be the same pantun I used to end my farewell speech to the students). He told the students that I will be returning to Malaysia to teach another year, but we don’t know where. I believe he said that he hopes I return to SMK Labis.
My Form 1A students speaking on my behalf
Tuan Haji Anuar giving a farewell speech
People don’t tend to directly tell their feelings to others, but I do feel that I have made a significant impact on the school and on the teachers. I am honored to have worked with such an amazing group of people this year. I can’t believe these 10 months are already over. Just shows how time continues moving no matter what.
After Haji Anuar spoke, I was invited to say a few words. I prepared my speech last night over dinner with Hasnul. It was entirely in Bahasa Malaysia, the national language. There were several points where I was given a round of applause by the students. Among other things, I said that if I can learn BM in one year, I know they can learn English. Try. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Have confidence and be brave.
My speech
Next was the gift giving portion of the ceremony. Earlier, the students had given money which was collected by the teachers who then bought gifts to give me from the classes. Each form, including upper and lower form 6, gave a gift. Several teachers gave gifts of their own accord also. The back seat of Thilaga’s car was quite full, but I did manage to bring everything home.
Teachers giving gifts
Students giving gifts
After the singing of the National Anthem, all of the students lined up to Salam me, boys and girls alike. Nearly 700 handshakes, perhaps 100 hugs, many thanks and goodbyes. When my upper form six girls came to me,I teared up. It looked like one of my students, to whom I am very close, was going to cry, so of course I started tearing up. Luckily the students wanted to take a picture at that time so the sad moment was broken. I’ll miss those girls tremendously.
Saying goodbye to every student
Many goodbyes. Many gifts. Many hugs. Many pictures. Many sad faces and hopes to see each other again. I took pictures with the cleaners and the canteen women. I love them all! They don’t speak much English , but man, I feel a connection to them. Always smiling and always greeting me, even though the conversation was minimal.
The canteen workers
I can’t believe I won’t be seeing this exact group of people again. Next year, if I return to the same school, the upper form six and form 5 students will be gone and they are some of my closest friends. There will also be a whole new batch of Form 1 students. The headmaster may not return next year as he has applied to transfer closer to his home. Some of the teachers may be gone. But even though there will be changes, more people than not will be remain. And for that, I am very excited.
*****
I sat in the front row, looking out over the entire student body, faces that I’ve grown so used to seeing every day. Faces that are no longer just faces, but the expressway into the personalities of beautiful, intelligent young men and women. Eyes that sparkle, smiles that light up the room, laughs that are contagious, minds that are brilliant beyond expectations. I’ve grown so attached to these individuals, this group of unique personalities, I can’t believe I have to leave.
