The world of Tzu Chi Nov-Dec 2022 (Vol.144)

2022 • 12 08 pecial Feature A precious moment where Rakin (left) is seen here holding a gift for Teacher Chor, while his mother, Rosalinda (right), is holding his gift from the teacher. By Tan Kim Hion Translated by Jilly Bong Photos by Kevin Tan Kok Sieong A teacher and change agent Teacher Chor Zheng Hao has only met his student Rakin online. Despite this, he has successfully guided the boy academically and boosted his confidence to interact with others. O n the eve of his final tuition session with his six students, 17-year-old Chor Zheng Hao couriered a notebook and a water bottle to each student as a gift. He hoped the gifts would reach them before their last lesson. Rakin, a foreign student, was pleasantly surprised when he saw his name on the gifts. He flipped open the notebook and discovered this handwritten message in English from his teacher: “First of all, thank you. Thank you for bringing your positive energy into our class. Seeing you improved not only in Bahasa Melayu (Malay language), but also the person you’ve become, a kind & polite boy, it makes me very happy. I hope that you can continue to be YOURSELF & keep smiling.” As Rakin read it, his eyes welled up with tears. Aware that his teacher was leaving, the boy in return, prepared a notebook and a pen as a token of appreciation for his teacher. “Teacher