Yoz volunteerz!
My turn to share my thoughts and reflections here. =p I joined WSC(youth) with the initial thought of getting the experience of interacting with the “problematic” teenagers. I wanted to get to know more about them. But the very first time that I get to know my allocated mentee, I don’t really know how to approach him though and do not know what to do besides guiding him with his homework. But luckily he was quite willing to share his “experiences” with me. Only until the last session (10/02/10), he got to know that I am a teacher-to-be. Haha but his very first reaction was “why do you want to be a teacher?” .Then I went on to ask him why did he has this reaction, and he said he think it is very tough to be a teacher. Then I jokingly replied, “ya lor because got students like you right??” He then looks kind of embarrassed. I think my mentee is still very respectful towards me. Though on some sessions, he will ask if he can don’t finish his homework, but when I ask him to continue and finish his work, he will still do so (BUT he has yet to buy his math assessment book since the first session!). I think is partially because he can be quite tired with the journey of travelling. He got to leave for school at 5.45am and most of the time he will only be back in hostel at 6 to 7pm.
I think I really enjoy coming to the sessions because of the company of you guys too! I think the idea of meeting for dinner before making our way to the boys’ hostel is great, because we can at least catch up a little with one another and not forgetting some hilarious jokes on the bus too( Huimin and taekwando) LOL!!
And by the way, me and serena will be posted to school for practicum starting 22nd Feb. But we will still try our very best to join you guys for the sessions though. Last but not least, wishing you all a very fruitful and enjoyable new year ahead!!
Best wishes,
Yiwen =)
Hello fellow friends.
I'm here to share with you all my food for thought.
Honestly, I was really happy when my mentee suddenly said that he had childhood problems when i was reading the english passage to him. Not that he wasnt paying attention but i think he couldn't hold it anymore. It's also unbearable for them to withhold everything from ppl and not have a chance to find a listening ear who can also listen to them and try to understand their feelings. He really misses his home from the way he was telling me about his mum and sister and how cute his pet rabbit was. But he will get out from there in the later part of the year. Sincerely hope that he won't go astray and do something foolish again. They are really smart just that they are still too young to realise how stupid their curiosity, angsty and ways of attracting attention can bring them to. Actually i think if they are to change their ways and repent they should not hang out with their old bunch of friends anyway unless they are those who really care about them even after they are being held up there. As the saying goes, birds of the same feather flock together, no other meanings, so they must first leave them and start afresh. No point getting out and continue to hang out with those who commit illegal crimes and really start to regret why they are still walking the same path as before. It's hard though to put all the past behind them. But they can treat this as a learning experience and a trip to cultivate their mind and soul in resolance. My mentee is really keen in going back school but the school doesn't seem passive in wanting him back. It's making him dejected and he's thinking of enrolling in a private school instead. however, this sign in the lost of hope is worrying to me. I hope he can perservere on to wait for their reply just like how i will be assured that he will turn for the better after he leave with his kind of determination.
All the best people and a very prosperous, enriching and happy new year to everyone and the boys! :)
Best regards,
Germaine
