Teacher's Reply

Dear Student,
As your teacher, I'm proud that you honestly tell me what you think to me. You're right, I was once a student, and as a student, I had the same problems as you're. If I really could, I wouldn't care if you're doing fine or not, just as you wished. I'll just leave you alone, but if I really do that will go against policy.

If you're failing again and again, won't your parents say something? If they ask me, why you keep failing? Can I just irresponsibly say "Oh, sorry, sir, sorry ma'am, I can't teach your child, since your child is just a plain idiot". Not to mention that what if they ask you why you're failing again and again. Which one of these, will your parents more likely to believe? "Sorry, Dad and Mum, I'm just a plain idiot", or "My teacher is an idiot and doesn't know how to teach properly".

Have you ever been punished for something you didn't do? I'm not talking about homework here, If you don't do the homework, you deserve the punishment. You know what I'm talking about, If I punish you, because your classmate who is sitting behind you making a lot of noise or your parents take away your game, because your brother spends too much time gaming and didn't do his homework. Will you be happy? Good, cause I don't want to be blame and being said as an Idiot, because of what you've done.

I say try harder all the times, "Nothing is impossible if you try and try, trying harder", or whatever it is, to encourage you, those words are meant to encourage students. What will happen if I say "Oh you, forget it, you will not pass the test", "Emm, yes, but sorry, if it's you, you will say something out of topic, next!" instead of "Try harder, you can do better", how will you, students feel? Or you have a big sport match tomorrow, will you rather me saying "The opponent is strong, but don't worry, all of you are amazing, you can do it, I believe in you" or "Umm.. The opponent is so strong, and you... I don't know. You'll be more likely to lose, but... yeah, go ahead, maybe somehow you can win".

Encouragement is what I'm trying to do. Limit exists, but how are you going to know your limit? If you don't push yourself to see where your limit is? And all you do is thinking "Oh, I can't do that, so forget it", "Oh, this one, maybe, but no, I don't want the risk of wasting my time".

And for whatever issues you have, talk to me! I'm not going to know how you feel, what problems you have or anything if you don't talk to me. Okay, according to you, we speak different languages. That makes me welcome you more to talk to me, so I'll learn a new language and so will you. That's probably how dictionary is first made, group of people who don't speak the same language trying to understand each other.

Yours sincere "Try harder" and "Nothing is impossible" believer,

Teacher

Herli © 2009

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Student's Defence 2

Did your teacher ever said to you "You have to participate more in the class", "You, students, should not take what teachers said for granted, teachers are human, sometimes human makes mistakes", "Stop talking to your classmates and pay attention".

Dear Principal,
I know that all the teachers meant well when they asked me to participate more in the class. They care about me, they even realised that I exist, even though I don't participate actively in class. They're right; I should not be so passive, but at the same time were wrong about me. I have my reasons why I don't engage actively in class, but I seem lively when I'm talking to my classmates.

In Physics class, I was taught that light travels faster than sound. Now I know the reason why some teachers appear bright, seem and act so smart, that I believe this class is going to be fun, until I hear them speak. But can I say this to the teacher? I was also told that light travels at certain speed, now I have a question, how fast does the dark travel then? If mankind can measure how fast light and sound travel, is there such a thing like "speed of smell"?.I can't ask the teacher as that would be considered as a mockery, I believe. That kills my creativity.

In History class, I was told that back in some years, there were wars, revolutions, and how great some heroes were. By any means, I don't try to make fun of history at all or trivialise the sacrifices the heroes have made. However, I couldn't recall what I did and ate 2 weeks ago, and these historians could write in such a details, events that had passed for sometimes. I'm pretty sure, they didn't have any time to write the story of how they fight for their freedom on such a chaos day by day. Oh, do you read newspaper daily, Mr. Principal? No, I meant do you ever compare two newspapers? Because I did, the same event sounded so different by two different writers. Different person has different opinions and understanding about something, or have you told some of your stories to your friends or children, you know what I'm talking about, you'd hide some of the embarrassing parts and exaggerated the others. So, wouldn’t you think it’s natural, if I thought History could be biased, and the events told, weren't exactly what happened. Could I discuss this with the teacher? I'd be killed.

In Math class, I was taught that everything multiplied by 0, will result in 0. The teacher seems so sure and very confident with that."If the temperature today is 0 degree, and it's predicted that tomorrow will be twice as cold as today. Then what's the temperature tomorrow?", will the teacher think that I'm trying to make fun of them?

In Religion class, I was taught that God is good and almighty, God knows what "WILL HAPPEN" in the future, and God creates "EVERYTHING". Ug, sir, you don't want to listen to what I think about this.

Do you see my problems now, Mr. Principal? If I speak of all the ideas I have, I'll get to see you very often, don't you reckon? I will get a lot of detentions, as the teachers will deem me problematic student. I can easily share my ideas with my fellow classmates, they won't mind. But with teacher? You tell me. I don't take things for granted, and develop my own ideas in radical way. That's why my involvement in class will be minimised. But at least, I did pay attention, didn’t I?

Yours sincere lost minded and in dilemma,

Student

Herli © 2009

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Student's Defence

Did you remember what your teachers said when there were some people failing the tests? Did they said "You had to study harder", "You had to pay attention in class", or "Try harder next time"?.

Dear Teacher,
I believe you were once a student. And I believe that when you were student, you had subjects you were good at, and subjects you weren't. I know, there is a quite different combinations possible, subject you were good at and you liked, subject you were good at but you didn't like, subject you liked but you know it's not for you. Furthermore, there were also subjects that you weren't good at and you hated so much.

Why don't you think the one you're teaching to me now, is the one I don't like and the one I'm worst at? Instead of accusing me being lazy, ignorant, didn't pay attention. Oh, while I'm on it, I want to ask you, did you ever attend a 3 hours speech where you didn't understand the language spoken and didn't feel sleepy? Or will you listen through to a whole Arabic audio book? (I assume you don't understand Arabic). Good, cause now you know how I feel. I don't understand what you taught in the class, it's like we were speaking a different language. With no help at all, do you think I can figure out and able to understand different language?

I know, I'm failing this subject. And I know, you're going to say "try harder", I know how important this subject you THINK it is. I know you will say "You might think this is not important to you now, but in the future, you'll need it”. However, yes, it's a however, do you think every human will have things their ways if they try harder? "Nothing is impossible if you try and try, trying harder" you said?

My dear teacher, I believe humans have their limits, there will be something that they can't do. So instead of doing that, they try to find an alternative. I want to break a rock, do I try and train my fists until the day I'm able to break it barehanded comes, or I get a hammer? Humans always want to be able move as fast as animals, are they able to? No, but they invented vehicle, and with that, they are able to. Oh, this is a sure thing, humans always dream of flying up high to the sky. Can they fly? No, not with their own wings, they faced the reality that they can’t (for now), and get in the vehicle. My point is, even if you wanted me to try hard, I have my limit. I can’t (for now, I don't know what will happen in the future) do as good as you expected. So, rather than trying so hard for yours in expense of other subjects, can't I just have the alternative way?

I also know, you're going to say "instead of spending time writing this rubbish, I should have just spent the time studying hard". But this is what I'm good at; I can't help but to do it. To prove to you, I'm able to do something. And don't you worry if you don't understand. It's fair; I don't understand yours, so there is no obligation for you to understand mine. I don't expect you to understand, since we don't speak the same language.

Your sincere good at nothing but writing rubbish,

Student


Herli © 2009

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Is Life Fair?

There will be a day when you think "Life is not fair". If that thought hasn't come to you, don't worry, it will soon.

Unless you're the type of people that makes others think life is not fair, that is the super lucky person, who do little to none effort, but have everything people dream of having.
For example:
~Born in a very wealthy family as a single heir
~So talented, that you can do that particular thing easily, while others spend their time training and trying.
~So good looking until the extend of all you have to do is smile, and others will do your stuff for you.

However, if you work hard to be what you are right now. You have every single rights to tell others that say "you're so lucky, life is not
fair" to you, "screw you, I spent my time, practicing and trying, while you're just there, daydreaming, doing nothing. And now you're saying
that I'm lucky? Face the reality!"

Oh, that's a little bit off-topic. Do you think life is fair?

~Why do you have plenty of food that you can waste the food, and I don't have any food to eat or have to eat what you have wasted?

~Why are you worrying about "What will I eat today? I feel like chicken, but I want to eat the sweet & sour pork, this is tough. I envy those people who can decide what they're going to eat easily.", and I'm worrying about "Will I even eat today?"

~Why are you so good at something, for instance, sports, but decide to do something else as your career and waste your talents, and I who really love that something(sports, in this instance) don't have the talents to.

~Why do you understand that much? You read it once and it's just casually, while I scrutinise and try so hard to understand, but still don't get it.

~Why do I get a "B" while you get an "A+"? I study at least three times more than you do.

~Why do you love "A"? "A" is a jerk and player. "A" doesn't care about you at all. While I love you so much, and have sacrificed everything to make you happy.

~Why you were born so wealthy, that all you do are just wasting money and time. While I was born in a so poor family? I don't even able to go to school. How I'm going to change my life? Without going to school, obviously, I won't be able to
get a really good job. Even worse, I don't even able to dress properly that I will look elegant enough to convince the future employers to give me a good job. Do I have to remain poor for the rest of my life?

~Why do I have to be infected by this terminal illness? I work and study hard, I behave good in society, I take care of my health, I watch what I eat, I don't smoke and drink. I've done everything so my future will be bright, but now I have to die soon.

~Why do you get paid more than I do? We practically do the same works. Sometimes, I even do more than you do.

~Okay, so you think everyone is equal. I'm an unemployed and so lazy, I don't want to work at all. All I do is waiting for goverment to give me allowance, or asking others for some money. Sure, I don't contribute anything to "this" country. And here you have "Mr.Genius", he's a big tax payer, he also currently in a very important project, trying to solve energy crisis. This project will save "this" country from energy crisis, not only that, it might lead "this" country ahead of others. Without him, you can consider this project rubbish. So, the project is nearly finished. Somehow, one day, I'm arguing with "Mr.Genius" and then he beat me so bad, I need to be hospitalised. I'm pretty sure, I've done anything wrong to him. Now, will you treat me equally and jail "Mr.Genius" for a year? or you will just blame me for everything and accuse me for a crime I didn't commit. No one cares if you choose to blame me. You decide.

~And so on

There is no fairness in life if I look at it with this perspective. However, I do know this, every job that already existed, exists because there is a need for them to exist.
~Farmers, breeders, gardeners, etc. to do the agriculture so we'll have food to eat
~Teachers, writers, authors, etc. to try to teach, educate, and pass down the information to others and next generations.
~Scientists, enventors, engineers, to develop and invent things so human being will have a better life.
etc.

So if everyone is the same, who's going to do those jobs then? No one. So that's why everyone has their own roles. Even if you're the usual guys who litter in the streets, "GOOD ON YOU!", without you, the streets will be very clean, and those street cleaners will lose their jobs.

Herli © 2009

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Some Ironies In Life

• You're asleep, you dream that you are so good at everything and everyone envies you for that. WAKE UP MISTER!!! If you want to be the best, you have to wake up and try!! Not asleep or daydreaming



• There are religious wars, but I thought religions are about peace, harmony with each other and God



• Some people abuse religions, and teach that God hates particular races or people, and those people(those particular people or races) need to be punished. Even stupider, there are actually people believe that suicide attacks or bombing, mass murdering some particular races or people, are acts of wordship to God



• I thought I'll know more when I study hard, but the more I read, I realise there are more things that I don't know at all



• When the President of United State doesn't fulfill the promises that are made. There are always people from other countries, complaining about that, and demand the promises to be kept. Mind you, It's THE PRESIDENT OF UNITED STATES, and whatever he does, he doesn't have any obligation to you(people of other countries)



• Oh, and boycotting KFC, McDonald's, Burger King or whatever it is, won't affect America anyway. Do you realise who work there? They are your fellow countrymen



• Some people thought It's cool to say "Think Outside the Box" when they're asked to give opinions about stuff, they thought they have said something smart. But honestly, I sincerely believe that they said that because they have no idea what's going on, and don't know what to say. They copy this smart "Think Outside the Box" quote, and make it stupid but still think it's smart



• OMG!!! People always say this when there's unexpected or unbelievable event happens. What if they are atheist, which God they are referring to? Do they have and believe in God?



• Do you wholeheartedly believe when there are people saying "I can't live without you"?. Certainly, those people have lived their lives years and years before they meet the "you". It might be true if "I can't live without you" is said to parents or whoever that raised you up. But using those words to people you love, doesn't seem appropriate as it'll be lying. There might be a certain circumstances where you literally can't live without that someone, but it's rare. In general, those words will be untrue. Isn't a good relationship based on honesty and truth? With this basis, If it's me, I'll say "It'll be a lie, if I say, I can't live without you. I really can live without you, but I'll choose not to be without you. Because that's the truth, I want to be with you"


I'll put more when I can think of something else~

Herli © 2009

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I'll Be Here For You

You might be so screwed
You might have done the biggest mistake in your life that can't be undone
You might think your life is pointless
You might think that you are the most horrible human being

I might not be able to help you
Not able to correct your mistake
Not able to do anything for you
I'm just as horrible as you are
But, I'm more than willing to go through pain and sufferings with you

Doesn't matter what will happen to you
I'll be here
Isn't that the most important thing?
To have someone by your side, even though that someone can't do anything for you
At least, I'll be beside you, when you need someone! So you will never be ALONE!

Oh, your boss is scolding you! He treats you like shit
~Don't worry, scold me, treat me like shit!

Your friends lie to you, and then they go out without you
~Hey, why don't we go together?? You choose where and what!

Now you want to be left alone.. You don't feel like talking or seeing people at all
~Too bad, I'll be here bugging you, so even though you are alone now, you are not really alone! I am there.. Isn't it better to have something more than you really need than you need something but you don't have it?

Ug.. You don't know what to say
~We can always sit down here, and do nothing. I don't mind.

Now you are crying
~I'll wipe down your tears, or if you don't want me to wipe them, I can always cry together with you. I know, men don't cry, but for me, crying is not a big deal. You might think I don't have pride as a man, but let me tell you, my pride isn't that weak to be shaken by such a trivial thing, crying.

Finally, you realise about my existence. You are so touched and want to repay me
~I DO NOT DEMAND YOU TO DO ANYTHING IN RETURN AT ALL!!!

I'll support you, until you are strong enough to be on your own~
And when you are, I'll be gone!!

(Oh yeah, I don't mind if you want to share your happiness with me)

Herli © 2009

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Happiness (is not for me)

~ When I meet my soul mate, I’ll be happy.
But that means I can't do whatever I want whenever I feel like it. Freedom's taken.

~ If I wasn’t feeling sick, tired, and in pain, I’d be happy.
But that means I have to go to work, or do whatever the boring daily stuff. One thing sure, resting after an exhausting day, feels good.

~ My dream wedding will make me happy.
If I have children, they’ll fulfill me.
If only I didn’t have children, I’d be free to live my life and be happy.

~ If people understood me, everything would work out.
But that means, there is no more unexpected and exciting moment in my life. Everyone would know what I'm going to do.

~ I need more money before I can do everything I want to do.
That simply means I have to work for money. Boring!!

~ If I didn’t have to do this mind-numbing work, I’d be free.
But no work, no money.

~ If I was less attached to money and more spiritual, I’d be happy.
How I wish God could help me.

~ I need more time before I can be happy.
But this means I'm going nearer to my death. Does death equal happiness?

~ If I wasn’t afraid of taking big risks, I could live my dreams.
But if everyone always takes the risks, who will lose the chance?

~ If I was better looking and in better shape, I’d be happy.
But do good looking people always happy? Oh, no, I can't eat that, that'll make me fat... Oh, sorry, that's not good for my skin~

~ If people took me seriously, I could be happy.
But what will my life be then? I can't even make a joke.

~ If this tragedy hadn’t happened, I’d be happy.
But I'll never experience anything then. Surely life without tragedy is just like a movie with straight plot, no trouble, no complication. Simply boring!

~ One day I’ll become enlightened, and have lasting peace and serenity.
But will that day come in time, that is before my life ended. Heroes from the past who sacrificed their lives for peace and serenity, for the freedom of their countries, never enjoy the peace and serenity they had fought for. Some people spent their whole life trying to find enlightment, does the enlightment worth the efforts?

~ I’ll be happy when I’m recognized for my great ideas.
But do I even have the ideas? I have to spend my life thinking, mind-numbing work.

~ I’ll be happy when I retire, travel, and can take it easy.
Oh, and like I don't need money to do so.

Why I couldn't just be happy~ without the "but" after that.

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