Five Siblings Continue A Legacy In Teaching

By Nazira Hasanah Nasaruddin

KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 (Bernama) -- A family of educators from rural Sarawak reflects the spirit of this year’s Teachers’ Day theme, Guru Bitara, Nadi Negara, with teaching serving not just as a profession but as a legacy carried on by almost all the siblings.

Senior Assistant for Student Affairs at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sebako Mohamad Azwan Azahari said his parents, who each served as teachers for more than 30 years, were the main inspiration behind the siblings’ interest in education from a young age.

The eldest of five siblings said his father is from Kampung Sebako, while his mother is from Kampung Bruit, both villages located on Pulau Bruit in Daro, Sarawak.

He has now been in the teaching profession for 10 years, currently teaching at his hometown school, while two of his younger siblings are teachers at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Beladin and Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Sungai Buaya in Selangor, respectively.

Another sibling, who graduated in economics from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), also intends to pursue a diploma in education, while the youngest is currently studying at the Teachers Education Institute, Tun Abdul Razak Campus.

“When we were young, our parents would often bring students home to our quarters for extra classes. They even put up a blackboard on the wall so lessons could be conducted there.

“What stands out most is that many of their former students still keep in touch with my parents and treat them with kindness even now. I believe much of the good our family enjoys today also comes, in part, from their prayers,” he said when contacted by Bernama in conjunction with Teachers’ Day celebrations.

The 34-year-old said the family quarters often become a gathering place for pupils, especially on weekends.

“My mother always reminded us to teach and care for students with the same love and kindness we would want for our own children. She would also often say that we should work sincerely, because only then will our salary be truly blessed,” he said.

Mohamad Azwan said one of the sacrifices teachers often make, but which is frequently overlooked, is the time, money, energy, and attention they devote to their students compared with their own families, to ensure students receive the best possible education.

“We as children of teachers could only spend time with our parents during school holidays,” he said, adding that this taught them to be independent from a young age, although there were times when they felt disappointed that their parents spent more time with other people’s children.

“However, when I became a teacher myself, I began to understand. At times, teachers become a source of comfort for their students, who turn to them for affection, companionship, laughter and conversation. Perhaps the atmosphere at home is not as warm as it is at school or in the classroom,” he said.

Reflecting on the challenges of being an educator, Mohamad Azwan said he had at times experienced emotional burnout when students failed to meet the expected learning targets, adding that he would often reflect on his own performance and sometimes feel that he was not good enough as a teacher.

“Perhaps I was also putting too much pressure on myself by conducting extra classes on weekends and during school holidays, leaving myself with too little rest.

“However, seeing students who are eager to learn and constantly curious encourages me to pick myself up again and find more suitable teaching methods that fit their level and learning styles,” he said.

Mohamad Azwan also expressed his gratitude to all his former teachers, lecturers and those who had guided him along the way, helping him become an educator today.

“Our teaching career may not make us rich in material wealth, but it is rich in the prayers of our students. May we always be granted the strength and good health to continue educating the nation’s children,” he said.

-- BERNAMA