Chen Song Ping

Another reunion write-up by my former teacher

This article is written by a former teacher,  Mr. Toh Leong. He writes well. I had his prior permission to publish any of his postings from Facebook. I read about his being invited to a reunion by another group of former students…

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Mr Toh’s write-up

I was just invited to a reunion for my former students. I didn’t want to stand on ceremony; it was a wonderful opportunity to meet them again, along with some old colleagues who were also invited.

My past colleagues looked much the same, though I noticed a bald head or two and a few heads of white hair. The years have certainly pushed us further down the timeline.

Many of my former students reminded me that I was their chemistry teacher. While chemistry was my main subject, I also taught additional mathematics and general science. I was delighted to learn that two of my students became teachers themselves and have now retired. How time has flown.

I still don’t feel aged. I hold on to the perspective that age is just a number, and I believe that a positive attitude is key to maintaining a sense of youthfulness. As they say, “You are as old as you think.” Ultimately, our behavior emanates from the heart and mind.

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My note here

So Chemistry was Mr Toh’s major subject! Is that why I never quite understood his physics classes?

   Before the state final exam,  I devoured the whole three-inches-thick physic textbook, and finally , some of his lessons began to make sense.  If only I had studied before each class,  sir! Well, I managed to get a good credit ( a private college didn’t want to accept me for A level because I couldn’t understand the Chinese language.  In the end, the principal changed his mind when he saw my physics grade! )

Yet Mr Toh said, “Only a credit?” I was exasperated. (He had forgotten that I almost never passed any of his physic tests!)

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