Something
professional,
The decision
to leave my teaching position was announced at an awfully bad timing for the
school, during a re-branding and reshuffling of manpower. However, I had already
decided since March 11, to leave the current teaching position for further options.
I felt obligated to stay because I just served my maternity leave and because another
one of my dear colleagues left. Upon my return, I could sense the changes I had
as a teacher; I was tired of what I do every day (while I am good at what I do,
dealing with their behaviors and planning activities, I was underwhelmed and under-stimulated).
Also, my postpartum body is screaming in pain. My physical body was giving up. I
spoke up and gave suggestions to the management, then again, change takes time,
and some decisions supersede others.
5
years on, I had accomplished 250 Weekly Activity Plan, 250 Weekly Reports, 330
portfolios, 15 cycles of parent-teacher meeting, countless complaints, and
appreciation, 5 teachers’ days, one baby, and one Masters of Education, I left
this place that I hold dear to my heart. I have no regrets; I met wonderful
teachers and mentors, I made friends for life, I honed my pedagogical
knowledge, and I became a better version of who I was.
Now,
I can add “5 years 5 months / English Teacher” on my Resume. Further, I add “Deputy
Principal” to my name. It still feels surreal, being called a principal. My spouse
said my title is wonderful and deserving. I thought the road ahead will be
tougher than ever.
No worries,
a part of me (literally my offspring) is still at the place I loved. Baby
Hansel loves school, he is beginning to develop friendships with others, he loves
to explore in the space, and he feels secure. As a parent, I am happy for him.
Something
personal,
Ever
since my return to work, my colleagues and my friends have been asking me how I
am doing. I am doing okay, passable. My priorities changed quite a bit. Knowing
that I am enrolling in a two year Master’s Program, our plans for our firstborn
was postponed. After all, I was only 26, childbearing can wait. However, my
period did not come for almost a year (it did not occur to me too, because it
was so convenient to be period-free), hence I was given a hormonal pill to
induce the period. I thought of tracking ovulation but man, the hormones drive
my ovulation sticks nut. So, we did not bother. Plus, to track ovulation, you
need your last menstrual cycle which I did not have any!
So,
we did what couples do. We were married for … one and a half years (I think). On
1st June, I felt horrible and we tested for pregnancy, and we cannot
believe our eyes and ears and mouth and nose! We went to the polyclinic to verify
as it was confirmed. We begin the journey of monthly check-up, morning sickness,
vitamins, gained 15 kg, went to A&E, cervixes check-up, and got induced.
Poof, Hansel was born a healthy and strong boy in January 2020 after ten-hour labor.
He came to us as a gift, hence his name (“Gift from God”). At my postpartum check-up,
the doctor asked, “how did it happen?” I threw the question back at him, “you
tell me, you are the one who went medical school”.
Hansel
was, indeed, daddy’s fastest swimmer.