Appreciation

How much do you appreciate what others did for you? How much do you show this appreciation? Sometimes it is easier said than done. Some will give gifts, plagues, certificates as a form of recognition and appreciation, while some are done through actions. Sometimes, it is just a simple act to show appreciation to the other person.

I would like to thank all who have shown me support and rendered help for the my beginning year in WSSS.. However so, I have had my fair share of being put down by some colleagues who do not understand the simple meaning of "appreciation". I do believe that no matter how much effort one has put into doing something, he or she must be given credit for what was being done. By not showing respect to what others have done, is not only only an insult to the person, but will also make the workplace a "political warzone" where people will treat each other with resentment. I always believe this motto since I joined NPCC about 14 years ago, and that is "One for all, and all for one." Since we are working under the same roof, why can't we discuss things amicably and appreciate what everyone has contributed, no matter how small the effort is? Actually, this does not only happen in the workplace.

At home, how often do you praise your mum or dad for their cooking? How often do you thank them for ironing your clothes, washing your clothes, and caring for you? I do not do it often, and am feeling guilty for that. But that doesn't mean I do not appreciate what was done for me.

Being appreciative is actually very simple. Just a "Thank you", "Oh, well done!" will suffice..But sad to say, there are very few who actually do that, and that is because they have taken things for granted since young, or they think that the world revolves around them. I get upset when people do not appreciate what I have done, and I feel encouraged when people give me recognition for what I have done. I accept criticisms openly if I have done something wrong. Though I may be stubborn to admit it at times, but deep down I know and will learn from these mistakes.

The nature of Human beings, as the type of Singaporean portrayed in " I Not Stupid", are stingy in paying compliments to those who have performed well. Hence, more often than not, kids do not feel motivated to do better, since they feel neglected no matter how well they have done. To me, if you have done what you deserve, and if I had promised to reward you, you will get what is deserved.

I attended a class outing yesterday from the "best" class in Sec 1, but I was disappointed at how I was treated in the end. I shall not elaborate the disappointment here, as I understand that there were some misgivings among the students before I came. That aside, I must still thank them for inviting me. At least, I am one of the 2 teachers whom they invited, and I am grateful for that. Thanks Edlyn for organising the event, Lixia and Jeslyn for inviting me and most of all, Jing Xuan, the only student who thanked me for gracing the event.

One more thing that I would like to add on for my students and I hope that they learn the art of appreciation and sacrificing. When I was younger (not that I am old), I used to be the organiser for almost everything, class gatherings, outings, birthday gifts, bbqs, KTV sessions, etc. And until today, though I have relinquished my role as an organiser for some of these activities, I still cherish the times when these outings were a success.. I do not regret organising, sending countless sms, looking for places to have a great dinner together, walk around shopping malls looking for a birthday gift and booking for chalets etc. All these have brought me great memories, and great friendships.

Friendship do not come easily, if you do not want to do the "dirty job", or go through all the hassles to organise an event, then don't force yourself to do do it, cos you will not only make yourself unhappy, but also your friends too. If you want to organise something, no matter how difficult it might be, do your best and have no regrets after doing it! And last but not least, PLS SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION BY A SIMPLE "THANK YOU" FOR THE HARD WORK HE/SHE HAS PUT IN FOR ORGANISING AN OUTING.