The things that I hate most about going to school is waking up earlier. It is more of a concern when I no longer hold a student’s title. Showing up to my Alma mater through the form of grown-up teacher-to-be sure hits in a different way. Recalling each jigsaw puzzles of memory. Our stomping ground was resting still behind the playground. The path that I used to sauntered around, packed with fresh faces who seems anticipated to start their day off, spreading out the exuberant vibes.
“You’ve grown a lot, the last time I saw you were still dressed in school’s uniform” pretty much what I get on the first day. In which I replied awkwardly with a smile along the way.
“Good morning, I’m from IPG Gaya, Kota Kinabalu..” and I couldn’t finish my line as I was distracted by this particular kid.
“Danish, go back to your line” ordered the teacher as the kid attempts to climb onto the stage during assembly. A thought crossed my mind “Here we go, the reality of primary school” and there was me trying to cover up my fluttered look as I was continuing my speech.
A few minutes later, a familiar tune echoes from a large antique bell returning me down to memory lane. Kids were rushing back to their classes, afraid from being scolded. A teacher came up and asked if I was willing to take over her 8 am English class. I nodded in agreement.
Few heads protrude from the window as I walked by the class. “Good morning, teacher” greeted the students of 4 Gemilang in a harmonious tone. Eyes were sparkling with anticipation, circling me.
At that very moment, my brain was working hard, generating ideas for fun activities to be done. Out of nowhere, it pops in my mind, a flashback of myself crying my eyes out of laughter when watching my classmate tried to act out words for us to guess. Inspired from that idea, I decided to introduce the kids to charades game.
Everything went smooth until one kid suddenly stood on the chair and started shouting the answer. I came near him and remembered he was the one scolded by the teacher during assembly. “Danish” I uttered his name.
“Class, remember the rules, put up your hands if you want to answer, and no shouting please,” He refused to abide. I’m about to call his name until his friend pulled him down to the chair.
The next day went by, and the teacher once again assigned me to take over her class. Without any hesitation, I agreed. For this second time, I came prepared with a board syllabus game.
The class enjoyed playing with their friends. In the meantime, a hand keeps tapping on my shoulder whom I’m not surprised of anymore and asking multiple questions. It was the kid, Danish. At first, I just played along with him, having thoughts he might be the usual nosy boy in a classroom. Things turned around when he began taking my heels and using it to walk around in the classroom. I was bewildered by his sudden action.
“He’s sick teacher’’ whispered a kid. “He’s normally like that if he didn’t take his medicine” added another kid.
I came across that he was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) after I asked their homeroom teacher. Right after I went inside the staffroom, I scrolled down through twitter, searching for inspirational experience from the expertise in handling ADHD kids. Figuring out the right materials to adapt with his learning style was a challenge for me.
“Come here !” called a group of teacher from behind, inviting me to their little feast. In the middle of the conversation, I brought up about Danish to seek advice in handling those special students. It wasn’t the response that I was expected. One said ‘just let him be’, some teachers said ‘ask him to sleep’, another voice came ‘ it’s terrible, why his parents still insist on sending him to the special school’. At that very moment, this hits my soul “Who’s going to take care of him when everyone chose to put their hands off”.
The following day came, and I didn’t have the chance to come in 4 Gemilang class. As I passed by them, I noticed the rear of Danish playing alone behind the class. “See you after holiday teacher” a tiny voice shouted from behind. A void inundated the heart of mine. Written down in my wishes, hoping that they will not ever abandon the forgotten one.