Happy Teacher's Day!

I am writing this blogpost to thank all my teachers who have been so kind, patient and understanding towards me. I will never forget you.

At 13 years old, I was diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder. I was absent from school for 3 months — give or take — because of my anxiety. When I got better, I returned to school. My school teachers were understanding and they did their best to not stress me out. They didn't single me out for having a mental disorder nor did they judge me.

A year passed and I was in Form 2. Despite my teachers' efforts to not stress me out, I felt pressured by myself. I had always wanted to be the best and that stress caused me to relapse. I was still able to go to school but during my mid-year exam, I broke down and was sent to the school counsellor's room.

"Jaclynnn!!! Are you okay? Don't stress you know. I promise I'll teach you till Form 5."

I couldn't remember what else my teacher said. But, I felt so touched. She came to see me and encouraged me to take my next exam. She also read my Teacher's Day card — I wrote that she is a good teacher and I wanted her to be my teacher until Form 5.

With my teachers' encouragement and my friends' support, I sat for my next exam — which was something I thought I could never do.

Fast forward a few months later, I had a mental breakdown while studying for my end-term exam. This time, I wasn't able to go to school as I was constantly bombarded with intrusive thoughts. My teachers visited me and talked to me.

"Hello Jaclyn!"

"Hello teacher."

I can't remember much of our conversation, but all I know was that I was so fortunate to have my teachers.

When I had that mental breakdown and couldn't go to school, I visited a psychologist. She encouraged me to go through exposure therapy. Bit by bit, I was able to wear my school uniform, sit outside the school and eventually go to the school counsellor's room.

One day while I was sitting outside the school counsellor's room to carry out my exposure therapy, my teacher passed by. She saw me and she invited me to come to her class. I found myself eager to go even though that was not the plan for that day. I went into the classroom with her and I was greeted warmly by my friends. Surprisingly, I was comfortable and not anxious.

Soon, I was able to return to school. I am eternally grateful for everyone who have helped me along my recovery journey. I want to sincerely thank every one — teachers and friends — for your undying support and encouragement.

As for today, I would like to specifically thank my dear teachers for everything you have done for me. I hope you enjoy the poem I've specially written and the artwork that I made for you.

When I first stepped into school,
I was quite a fool.
But you saw my potential,
And sharpened my skill. 
Your undying support, 
Warms me still. 

As I took my next step, 
I had new guides, 
Guides full of understanding, 
Picked me up — standing. 
Though I fall again and again,
Your encouragements remain.
I did my best to stand back up, 
And when I did, 
You burst with joy, 
Till you let out a single tear.
 
As time progresses and years pass, 
I will never forget you or your class,
With this, I thank you with all my heart,
And hope nothing will ever tear us apart.

“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”- Carl W. Buechner

Teacher's Day Artwork

This artwork is also posted on my Instagram. Click the picture above to see the making of this artwork.