Confessions of a young teacher

Sharmyn Lim Sinnadurai never dreamt of becoming a teacher. However, her dad advised her to apply for a teaching course. She actually was considering journalism as a career but situations made her realise that teaching is her true calling. She is now teaching at a secondary vocational school in Tawau, Sabah.

I received news of my posting four days before I was due to report. Together with three others, I had been selected by the Technical and Vocational Education Division (BPTV). When I read my letter telling me that I was to report at Sekolah Menengah Vokasional Tawau (SMVT), Sabah the following week, I honestly did not know whether to be excited or apprehensive since I did not know anyone who lived there. Initially, I had put down Labuan, Sabah and Sarawak in my posting forms.

Sharmyn is the daughter of Wrutheran Sinnadurai (centre), a retired teacher-trainer and book author. Her mum, Lim Suat Bin (right) was also a teacher.

My mom was really anxious too because she had heard news of pirates and kidnapping incidences in that area. Since there was no way to reject the posting, I went ahead. The following week, I arrived in Tawau at 7pm and was greeted by the school van driver. In the dark it was quite hard to see and gauge the place but my first thought was, “This couldn’t be too bad; it almost seems like Kuala Terengganu (my hometown).”

First Impression

Tawau seems to be like Kuala Trengganu BUT it is a foreign place. The language and accent are different. I have interesting experiences with words like “anu”, “pantat”, and “kompek” which shocked me initially because these are somewhat vulgar and taboo words in West Malaysia. Imagine my shock when not only did I hear students saying these words but the Principal too! It was only later that I learnt “anu” is the Tawau way of saying ‘err..’, “pantat” is quite a polite way of referring to the gluteus maximus, and “kompek” means plastic bag.

Many of the people are actually of Indonesian or Filipino heritage and mainly Muslim. As for the students, most of them are extremely weak in English but they make up for it in plenty other ways. They are sweet and nice, naughty sometimes, but ever willing to help. I teach four Form Five classes and one Form Four class. This is a vocational school and most of the students are boys. I thank God I grew up with brothers and lots of boys as my sports buddies so I am quite able to hold my own.

Getting a better grip on things

Things are still looking great for me after nearly a year here. I have less difficulty understanding the language. I have a car now to zip around in and explore the place as well as provide taxi services to my ‘car-less’ housemate. I am in an awesome cell group that mothers me and provides me with authentic Indian food occasionally.

Despite the minor ups and downs that I am sure are bound to happen, God has been very generous and gracious in helping me settle down. I am quite excited to see what is next on God’s agenda for me and I am pretty certain it will be good.

I am not going to say teaching is an easy job. In fact, it probably ranks among the top toughest jobs. But I also think it’s one of the “cleanest” jobs in terms of ethics. When you are in a classroom, it is just the teacher and the students. The basic job description is pretty clear cut - impart knowledge and facilitate learning. In a way, there are fewer ethical dilemmas, so if you are a person who dislikes ethical dilemmas, teaching is one of the best jobs and can be very rewarding. Consider this - so far I have never had to stay in school past 5pm and the times I had stayed in school past 3pm are few and far between. Teachers get 7 - 8 weeks paid holidays a year! Furthermore, as a teacher you are in a very influential position to impact the young minds that come your way.

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Credits to Teachers' Christian Fellowship Malaysia