In every individual’s life, there comes the point in time when an unforgettable event will occur. Whether positive or negative, it may vary depending on the situation, but it will be remembered forever. In particular, an event I will never forget is the days I spent teaching a bunch of 7th-grade students at a small secondary school. 

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Before the summer break started, students of the English major class were asked whether we would like to volunteer to teach English at a local school. At first, I didn’t really think much about it. I have always been a carefree girl, never wanting to get myself into trouble or join any particular activity. However, for some reason, I decided to change my mind at the last minute, I signed up for the experience, and I was willing to do it for two continuous months. 

 

Not going to lie, I was nervous at first, it was my first volunteer job ever. Nevertheless, when June came, it was time for me to go to the school to meet up with the kids and get to know each other. Obviously, I wasn’t going to do it alone, I had my classmates with me there throughout the whole period. All of us were such nervous wrecks, the kids were cute though, they were so bold, young and lively. We started off by making small talk with the children. There were 3 boys and 2 girls (including me) from my class, so we divided into 2 groups, Me and the other girl started making conversation with the girls and the boys talked with the boys.

 

It was hard at first, not knowing what to do and how to approach the children. Me and my friends, we were unsure, after all, nobody has ever taught us how to teach. We started by getting to know the children’s level so that we can prepare lectures and lessons. We found out that although the kids have learnt all the basics, they didn’t really remember anything at all. Therefore, we had to start all over again. Eventually, things started to get into shape. We were able to have the kids talk to us in English, communicated with them and played games in English. It was amazing when you realised you had the chance to help somebody even though it was just something as simple as talking or reading.  

 

Nevertheless, the experience turned out to be incredible. I would say it was the first time ever I volunteered to teach and it turned out to be better than I had ever expected. I had a great time with the kids and my friends. Then I realised how grateful I am to have such amazing teachers in my life to guide me through all the hardships of growing up. They have taught me meaningful lessons about life that I can never forget. For example, my secondary homeroom teacher was so caring and thoughtful. In spite of having to continuously deal with the troubles my class had caused, she was still patient enough to walk us all through the experience of puberty. Therefore, every time I went to teach the kids, I will always try to remember all the moments my teachers were being patient with me, and I will try to treat the children with that same patience.