A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life - is hailed a Hero by society. In my life, she is a slightly different kind of that Hero.
She isn’t entirely perfect. As usual, with her slightly unkempt hair, she stepped into the art classroom hurriedly. She ruffled her reddish-brown hair with her right hand while her dark chestnut eyes scrutinized the classroom.
She has no appealing looks or luring fashion sense. Other than her ritual-like entrance, it is usually her habit of wearing black clothes that always makes me remember her.
She never fails to dress up like a guy. Her short cropped hair and pants betray no images of her felineness.
Her name is Ms Tricia Goh and she had taught me for two years, from 2006 to 2007, as my art teacher in Crescent Girls’ School. To me, she is more than a teacher. She is my first closest friend. As my senior and teacher, she often teases me for my immaturity or otherwise, reprimands and criticizes flaws in my work or behaviour. She always reminds me to speak up. I used to be so conservative and inward. Yet, it is she who makes me more open to the world. She is my Hero because she first taught me the true essence of friendship, honesty and how to interact with others.
When I first joined the art class, I didn’t have sufficient capability required for O-level examinations. Ms Goh repeatedly warned the class about tough examination requirements and the need for long commitment and sacrifice. Ms Goh also gave heavy criticism on my work. I struggled to improve my skills while others around me seemed to be doing well. To make it worse, the number of people taking the O-level art course decreased rapidly. I nearly gave up. It is Ms Goh’s strong vision for art that spurred me on. Her favourite motto is “passion”. All you need is passion and you’ll put in your utmost best. Because of this, I am more determined and focused. She is my Hero because she strengthened my passion and confidence for art. In the end, I achieved the impossible: A1 and gold with honours in SYF 2008.
Even now she is my Hero. Because of her, I have more confidence in myself and I continue to fulfill my passion for art in college. It would have been unattainable without her. When we had to stay back to complete the O-level art prep work, she didn’t mind sacrificing her sleep and time. She always bought chicken rice and snacks when she thought we were hungry. She always worries about us getting gastric pains though none of us ever did. She is my Hero because she taught me the sacrificial love of teachers for her students.
Ms Goh’s efforts do not only affect me deeply. There are also others taught under her and they will agree with me strongly. She has become an influential example and Hero for many. Despite that, she prefers to remain low profile and humble. She never stands out in the crowd. Yet, she has begun several paths of people who do and have the confidence to do so. Ms Goh is no ordinary Hero. What she have done for us can never be truly expressed in words. To me, she is the lighter of the flame of passion for art in my heart. Because of her, that flame has also grown into a vibrant fire, that I promise, will never die.
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