Reflective Journal 5

Time flies, but the memories collected along the way can never be replaced. The day has arrived where I may not get to seethe bunch of kids often anymore and Miss Sharon as well as the study environment here. It had been five challenging and fun week for me teaching them English and I believe that they manage to learn something from the games.

Since Miss Sharon had not arrived yet, the group responsible begun by “Hanging over” and“Music and mystery box” games. Everyone was overly excited until we had difficulty to pause when Miss Sharon walked in. Miss Sharon purposely contacted all students to join today’s Pace activity. Without her effort, the turnout rate today will be lesser which will affect our activity and food prepared. Besides that, people are always impressed by her hilarious yet funny character while teaching. I truly appreciate teacher like Miss Sharon, to end today with unforgettable memories created for both mentors and mentees.

After completing the exercise given by Miss Sharon, we proceed to the next activity which was short farewell speech by Ms Sharon and Ms Kelly. The overwhelming feeling ruin us as all of us knew that today is our final day. My favorite mentees, Kanna and Nuaisyah glance at me sadly and I act like crying which made them laugh. But deep in my heart, there is truly lots of unwillingness to leave them. If I ever have the time or chances, I will stay to teach them willingly with hope they can improve in their weak subjects.  After the speech, the students gave us a small handmade key chain as an appreciation token and in return I gave my mentees a small gift to motivate her study hard. After the exchange gift session, we continue with the “Music and mystery box” games. Kanna and Nuaisyah dragged each of my hand asking me to join their group to play the first game. This appreciated feeling definitely send adrenaline to me. Unfortunately, I had to assist my mentees, Nuaisyah in playing the game. Arishah who absents for weeks did turnout today as well and in the same group with Nuaisyah. She was naughty as she really rude sometimes, but still she is one of the mentees that I had been assist and I do have fun with her. None of us get bored, we had a lot of fun throughout the games.

It’s time to party! All of us proceed to Canteen to have our farewell meal! Food of the day is Subway and I can see everyone is enjoying the foods. Instead of standing aside, initiatively I helped to arrange the food and coordinate the mentees when taking group photo as the situation was messy. Mentees were shy to take the foods prepared and I distributed out for them and make sure they had enough of it. We had a good time during the farewell party. Not to mention that photo booth session is everywhere ever since the speech ended!

It’s hard to say goodbye. Everyone slowed down while chatting with their respective mentees. I am pleased to be here for them every Thursday and this was an amazing journey. My journey with them has ended and I would like to end with a quote of friendship. “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art. It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which value to survival” (Lewis, 2002). All of them create value in my life which I will never forget of. There never be a boundaries when come to friendship although we may have different religions, different languages, different skin coloured, difference education level but we all belong to one human race and I never prejudice against he/she age when making friends. All in all, I believe that strong friendship is built along the PACE activity and it kind of waken me that do not prohibit my friends from projects merely because they are in younger ages. They might somehow have the knowledge that you lack of and respect the ideas and opinion of others.

We start the class by "Hanging over " Game.

Next, "Music and Mystery box" Game.

Short farewell speech by Miss Sharon, it meant a lot to us.
Thanks to  her hard-work and contribution for  making this PACE activity successful.

Token Appreciation for Miss Sharon.

Farewell Speech by Miss Kelly is ongoing.
Specially thanked to Miss Kelly who helped us throughout the program.
Although we drive her up the wall, she still forgive us willingly.
Indeed, she is truly a very kind teacher and carries a smile everyday that definitely brighten up your day!

Token Appreciation for Miss Kelly. Three of them looking good in this picture. :)

Second Round Music and mystery box games.

Photo session.

Mentees and Mentors , me, Arisyah, Nuaisyah and Welsey.

Awesome teacher, Miss Sharon. 

Another group photo :)

Helping out in arranging the farewell party.

Food of the day, subway !

Everyone in the photo, I going to miss you all badly. 

The favourite photo of mine with my mentees, Nuaisyah and Welsey.

"The town was paper, but memories are not. " - John Green.
Preserved memories of mine.

Reference:

Lewis, C.S. (2002) Quotes. Available from: http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/1069006.C_S_Lewis [Accessed 14 May 2014]

Reflective Journal Four

Getting the chance to meet the bunch of happy kids again this week is always exciting!Miss Sharon begun the class by telling us a good news that the posters created previous week caught the crowd’s attention and they manage to earn up to two thousand revenue. Definitely indeed a good new! Lesson learned : Built off each others ideas, appreciate that music often comes from disharmonies in keys. (Flickety et al, n.d.). The effort and idea of everyone put together on the poster successfully helps the students in opening a bank account by profit earned which definitely means a lot to them now till then.

Due to the midterm exam, most of them didn’t turn up at the beginning of the class. Miss Sharon started the class by teaching them summary.  Kana requested me to teach her summary and without hesitation I went over since my mentor has not arrived. In the mid of teaching, Nuraishah suddenly approach me which was a total surprise because I assume she won’t be coming. Without further delay, I work with Mandy and Min Sui to guide her on the summary writing. She was so weak that we needed to explain sentence by sentence for her to understand. Min Sui was really a good mentor! I was inspired the way she explained to student and classify thing, I learning something from her definitely. On the other hands, Nuraishah made me realise that how weak she is in English subject and with this two hours PACE activity every week, it was never sufficient for her to learn and improve. I hope the school can have more tuition for them as they really need helps a lot. 

The group who took charge for today was well prepared with materials. Besides that, what made them different comparing other groups was they prepared stationary for mentee instead of snack (unhealthy food).  For the first game “spot the mistake”, I took the initiative to be the mentor holding the paper because I wanted to observe the class interaction. This game reminds me greatly of my primary school time where all the unforgettable memories were created such as playing games together with friends, even just by watching the mentees following what their friend do confusedly without understanding makes me recall some childhood memories. Throughout the game, I realize that mentor are more initiative compared to few weeks ago, they approach the student confidently and started to guide them along the game.

             The second game which also the last game made me realizes the weakness of mentee in doing past tense as well as myself. I’m not that good in grammar therefore I took the opportunity to polish my grammar by learning together with them which definitely meant something to me. Although the game ended fast and we did not manage to finish the puzzle but still I had manage to refresh my English language. From these activity, I aware of the giving and receiving process. I, myself willing to accept from those who have and share with those who do not. I never feel shame of my English level but yet I feel like it's a life learning process. When you ask for what you need and receive what people and the world have to give, it reduce the stress and gain energy by Amanda Owen (2010). Thus, at the end of activity, I inspire my mentee by telling her the story of my learning process and encourage her never be afraid to ask as the more you ask the more you gain.

Next week will be the last week of us going to this joyful place. How I wish time can return more often. However, time does not wait for us. Thus, we are going to make it a memorable one. We will be having small farewell party next week with them! Looking forward for it!


Reference :
Flickety et al. (n.d) How To Be Friends with Someone Younger Than You. Available from : http://www.wikihow.com/Be-Friends-with-Someone-Younger-Than-You  [Accessed on 8 May 2014]

Owen, A. (2010) The power of receiving quote. Available from: http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/14535604-the-power-of-receiving-a-revolutionary-approach-to-giving-yourself-the [Accessed on 8 May 2014]

Reflective Journal Three

Today’s lesson began by creating poster with the intention to sell hand-craft key chain which then the profit earn will provide student’s an opportunity to open an BSN account. It’s been awhile that I had draw and paint. With everyone’s helping hand, the art product came out amazingly. From the activity, I was impressed by the creativity idea from both mentors and mentees. Especially both of the Indian mentees where their drawing skill was really impressive. This thought me that everyone has there own strength and weaknesses, even-though they can't perform well in their academic but they have an excellent skill in drawing. Miss Sharon was impressed by the colourful poster full of cartoon completed and she kept thanking us. I sincerely hope that they will be able to earn incentive and everything will go well this coming Saturday for them. The painting activities took at least one and half hour to complete, which gave us another half an hour remaining.

Because of time delay, the in-charge group was having problems. Six guys were panic and in the mid of discussing, Miss Kelly suddenly came out with a brilliant idea of numbering each student from one to six.  I realize that time was not at our side, therefore I instinctively stood up and gave each mentor’s a number to speed up the process. I hope the initiative within me can be improve so that I am able to stand out in front of the crowd in future.

In my opinion, the first activity where mentors and mentees had to form a circle and each of them need to repeat the sentences of the previous person. This games helps some student awake their inner confidence by asking them to speak out. Alijah was shy and reluctant to speak because of the difficulty in speaking English. With me and Min Shui encouragement, she did make an attempt to try her best. After that, we proceed to the next activity, "Fill In The Blank" by listen to the song. The most epic moment was almost everyone sang the song “Let It Go” together loudly! I could see most mentors tried their best to encourage their mentee to sing along including me! My mentee was also reluctant to sing but with some encouragement, she sang loudly which definitely impress me. In this second activity, I could see the enthusiasm in every people in the class. It did prove that this activity was success in the sense that everybody know the song "Let it go" as it is a new trend now. This thought me that whenever I wanted to launch some event or activities, I should be alert by the new trends so that people are easily attract to the events/activities.

With a blink of an eye, it’s already time to return back. Mentees and mentors were taking their time having conversation among each other while slowly retuning back. I felt warm when I was surrounded by the girls and the endless conversation with them.  Some even ask why I didn’t play with them! A generous student even offered me her favorite chocolate to me. What’s more, Kannisya held my hand and told me that I am full of humors and easy to get along comparing to others mentors. That sentence really boosts my morale and made my day. The quote of the day: “Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow; don't walk behind me, I may not lead; walk beside me, and just be my friend.” by Albert Camus. 

Everyone was excited to start the drawing class session especially Me! 

Painting Time!

Final product :)

Our team's final product.

Group picture of other's team.

First activity, "Complete others sentences".

Fill In The Blank.

Photo with Kannisya during the second activity.

Reflective Journal Two

We were all excited and eager to meet the groups of students that we met last week once again. Upon after reaching the school, I went searching for toilet with friend and had little difficulty looking for it because I was still unfamiliar with the school. Suddenly, a little Chinese girl approached us and gave the direction to the toilet. I realize that it was the girl that joined us together in Pace activity last week. I was surprise that she could still recognize me, which comes to made me realize that never under estimate the power of a touch, a smile, kind words, a listening ear, or the smallest act or gestures of caring.

  We started our day by playing “Hypernyms” game done by Leon’s group. While playing, I was busy searching for my mentee and she turn up after the first game ended. I gave her a pack of chocolate that I won earlier which definitely brighten up her day. Once we manage to complete the exercise, Miss Kelly requested us to have some interaction among everybody. Since we manage to complete the game earlier, I invited her friend over to join our conversation judging by her bored expression. To ensure every student’s morale remain high and learn something before they go home, I decided to have some simple conversation with both of them. Surprisingly, Kannisya started to speak comfortably and provided me a positive feedback that everyone had a wonderful time enjoying the games last week as well as today, which made me felt our efforts were all worth it. Furthermore, she mentions that the banana peel song has definitely created an impact and memories among everyone. I believe I manage to have quality interaction with her and my mentee today.

 At the end of the day, we have to give full credit to the group who took charge of the activity. Overall, we manage to play two games and one activity within two hours. With the smile hanging at everyone’s face, I believe that everyone had a wonderful time. However, there were several students who needed others help to spell out the words when comes to “Word from word” game. It was fun that seeing the entire student brainstorms the words they learn before. With the games completed, I hope that the students manage to gain some skills and knowledge.

 In my opinion, the activities were fun but tend to lack of coordination. Firstly, most of us at the beginning could not understand what’s happening. Some group members of that particular group were not fully coordinated and communication was not there as well. This made me realize that unity is strength, when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.  

Everyone was excited in playing "Hypernyms"

Mentors helping mentees in their exercise book.

Everyone was focus in playing word from word games :)

Reflective Journal One

In the very first class of Community Service, our lecturer, Miss Rabiah brief us that we are going to have fun in this program where we are expected to go for SMK Convent and Methodist Boy School for PACE activities. After the first tutorial class with our respective tutor, Miss Kelly, I was looking forward to go for teaching them all the time. We volunteer ourselves for being the first group to design one hour ice breaking session on the first week of meeting them.

Today, 10 of April 2014, apart from my 20th birthday, it was an eye-opening day for me to interact with form 2 students from SMK Convent Girl School. Things firstly did not go according to our expectation. We were required to start the Ice breaking session by giving out the exercise prepared by Miss Sharon for the interaction purpose of mentors and mentees. The Ice breaking games that we had planned well was changed to half an hour instead of an hour. Indeed we felt disappointed as our efforts were wasted. Although it’s just games, we met up often for discussion. On Wednesday night, we spent time in campus to trial run the event. However, on that day itself, games were changed to just 15 minutes or lesser. My group was beginning to panic as pressure started to pile.

 I had experience previously of running events where pressures were common. My leadership mentality told me to remain calm and lead the class. I believe the job was done because the session went well and class was in control. Before the session end, I requested Miss Kelly to allow us perform “Peel Banana Song” dance and it’s a funny song that made everyone dance, laugh and had fun together. One disappointing fact was some mentor and mentee did not join the fun. Apart from that, I was able to see positive result of everyone enjoying with big smile hanging on their face.

The highlight moment was Miss Dorothy approaching me with satisfied expression, shook my hand and giving me complement that I did a great job as a mentor. Besides that, she was happy and impressed on the way I approach to the shyest timid girl in the class and motivate her to speak up. I was delighted that my small action without even realizing had helped others as well as able to give positive strength to people who needs it. Isn't that what community services are meant? To help people and give back to the society by delivering service in form of physical, emotion, social, mental, and spiritual well-being.

I had limited time to interact with my mentee, Nuraishah because of responsibility to carry out the ice breaker. However, I am glad to have a good partner, Weasley who help me to assist her. As the mentor, I promise my mentee that I will accompany her more next week onwards. I was happy and touched when my classmate sang birthday song on the bus for my 20^th birthday and meet Miss Sharon whose birthday fall on the same day. It’s truly a meaningful and unforgettable birthday. Honestly, I am excited to meet the group of people again soon.

I hope our group able to motivate the next group to perform better. Although handling a class is difficult, but it’s actually a learning process for us as student to understand the lecturer’s feeling when student are disobedient. This is a good subject for us to reflect ourselves and it’s time to learn to give back to the society.

Beginning of the class, right hand side is student(Mentors) from Taylor and
left hand side is student (Mentees) from SMK Convert.

Miss Sharon greet us by starting a welcoming speech and then proceed to teaching summary.

My mentees, Nuaisyah . Sadly, I didn't get to interact with her often but still we had a good time.

Interacting session of Mentors and Mentees.

Mentees are required to introduce their mentors and mentors are required to introduce their mentees.

During the interaction time, the timid girl in the class was so shy to speak infront of the class. I manage to help her build up a bit confidence to talk at last. 

My awesome teammates :)

The warm-hearted teacher, Miss Kelly who assist us all the way to run the Pace activity  successful.

Joyful moment- Peel banana Song.