I started studying when I was 3 years old, because my cousin who is a year older than me and who was my closest playmate back then, was already going to school. I envy her, maybe because I am left alone with no playmate. So I decided, in my young girl's brain, to go to school too.
I am a very shy girl. So, I was often just at the back of my cousin.
I don't remember much of those toddler years, but I remember developing lasting friendships with my classmates.
One time, when I was already at college, I rode a public utility vehicle. I noticed that one of the passenger was looking intensely at me. And she talked to her friend who was with her, and I feel that they were talking about me. I felt uneasy with their stares. Then finally she asked if I am "Cynthia." I said, 'yes' with eyes that asked, 'why do you know me?' And without me verbalizing it, she answered, 'I am Teacher Tisha, your teacher in Kinder 1.' She said that I still look the same, and that she was asking about me to my auntie because I am her favorite. I think I blushed talking to her. Her words really touched me down deep. Maybe I have done something good back then to be marked as her 'favorite.'
My parents are balanced when it comes to school. They do not pressure us to be at the top, but encourages us to do our best. So, my siblings and I, are not competitive with our classmates. I once remember that I encountered a bully at school. I tell on him to my teacher and he was reprimanded. Our elemeentary teachers are strict but they don't bully us. But I guess bully teachers start with High School teachers. Those teachers are very strict and nerve-wracking that send chills down to your bones. 😢 I remember those kinds of teachers/professors during High School and College days.
School can both be a source of joy and stress. One needs to be balance with it. I say that it's a joy because I found life-long friends with my classmates.
This is one of the reunion I had with a classmate from elementary, high school, and college! Hahaha! Her family treated our family for lunch. It was a fun reunion I look forward on having this year again.
All photos are grabbed from my friend's fb account.
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