Blank Canvas Prject (end)

Blank Canvas Project (end)

Previously the UPSR results were announced publicly. The top scorer or the A-students would receive prizes immediately after the announcement. The underachievers, on the other hand, got nothing more than a piece of paper. UPSR result which mainly comprised of E’s and D’s. I have always seen this as emotionally bias and unfair.

In the light of this realization, I developed a tradition. A Motivational speech seemed like a correct thing to do. The best prize in the world a teacher could give?

It doesn’t matter what grades they got. The amount of A’s or E’s in their UPSR result does not define them. It doesn’t shape them. It also doesn’t make them a more successful or less successful than the other. It doesn’t matter.

Instead, the amount of HIT they have taken the way to achieve one DOES. It WILL make them better. The pain they endure WILL shape them, and the way they perceive the world WILL form their own ways of dealing things in their life. Most importantly, it is crucial to remind them how they survive the hardship (over and over again) really does define whether they are successful or not.

I would always end my speech with a fiery dare. I have been doing it every year it is almost scripted and surreal.

“If you're sad with the results in your hands, remember this! You have three years to prove to yourself and (we) the people who believe in you. Come to us and show that you've succeeded in getting one.”

“Yet if you failed, you still have five years to prove to yourself and (we) the people who always believe in you. Come to us and show that you've succeeded in getting one.”

“But if you failed, you have a lifetime to prove to yourself and (we) the people who have always believed in you. Come to us and show you have succeeded in your life.”

And as a closure:
“I'll be here waiting. We (the teachers who have always believed in you) will be waiting for you. Come to us and show how you successfully manage to brave this life.”

After all, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing your late-bloomer children grow strong. But unlike previous years, as I finished the speech a child came and said,

"Alah nanti kami datang Mr A dah takde sebab pindah..."

And another one came with

"Tapi nanti kami akan rindu Mr A"(oh my, tears came rolling soon after lol)

Since I've received my redeployment letter. It is time to wander again. End the speech with a signature-mic drop.

Awan the Grey