RBJTimban’s Crib

1981 (cont.) – After dad died life had to go on. I made up my mind not to ask mum to finance me for higher education. I had to continue looking for jobs. But I was still uncertain of which job I liked most. I was still confused. Still unsure of which path to take. When we were in Form 4 or 5, there was no counselling on career opportunity.

In mid-December, before the school reopens, I received a reappointment letter from my present employer. I felt a bit relieve because I can still earn and look for other jobs.

1982 – Reattached to the same school. I was able to enjoy this job. Yes, the thrill of teaching or being together with young children had grown in me. There were only two trained teachers in the school to guide me. With me around, there were 3 of us.

1983 – When the school reopens I was reappointed for the second time, but now the office directed me to teach in a more remote school – SRB St. John, Betong. It was a 4 hour boat ride upstream from Betong. Unlike the previous school I was attached to, SRB St. John, Betong was a bigger school. The school was a full primary school with six classes. There were ten teachers including me. The school was equipped with a boarding house for both boys and girls, a dining hall and a kitchen.

In or around July, I met my wife. Our love grew and in a short while I proposed for her hand. Our parents agreed and a simple wedding ceremony was arranged.

In September I applied for teachers’ training.Some trained teacher friends helped me fill the form. A couple of days later I submitted the form to Bahagian Pendidikan Guru in our MOE, KL. I was very confident that I will secure a place in any teachers’ college in my country. It was because I have been an untrained teacher for almost 3 years now. That may sound over-confident but I really trust my own instinct. Yes, I trust myself despite being a bit introvert.