MyStory

Name: Zakiah Hanin Bte Saleh

Class: 6 Responsibility

School: Pei Tong Primary School

Favoured by many, she is also a hero to me. An inspirational teacher, who wants the best for her family, friends and students. A 35-year-old Kent Ridge Secondary Biology teacher who is my cousin, my sister and my best friend. Fahizah, my hero, has won the Most Caring Teacher Award for a few times. To me, I have always regarded her as my hero. She taught me values and manners and made me open my eyes to see new things. Apart from that, she understands me. She is there whenever I need her. One who always wanted to be an educator since young and she did become one with her determination. She respects her elderly and even though she is in her thirties, she still stayed youthful.

With her youthful character, she understands her students and her younger cousins. We spent time together most of the time and she has always been a special person to me. She told me once, “When I was young, I only thought of being a teacher and nothing else.” With that, I knew and had the confidence that I could be what I wanted. I was also amazed that she had one profession in mind while a person like me, changed my ambitions consistently. She would help me no matter day or night, or how busy she is, she will support me in whatever I do. I feel safe with her, very safe indeed.

Dealing with many secondary school students, she understands her students best. She will give me study tips and she will always tell me to focus. She will help me in choosing my secondary school for this year. She is good in sports too! She taught me rollerblading and swimming. These moments are especially special to me. The values she taught me are now displayed in me, and I am proud to have them in me.

She motivates me to do better. I know she cares for me and I care so much for her too. The actions she displays show me how to act the right way. She has a car and does not hesitate to bring others where they want to go. If I have doubts about some issues, schoolwork for example, she will be the one to my rescue. That is why amongst the people around me, I have chosen her as my hero. At times, I am afraid she makes too much fuss of me.

She is a disciplined person. She knows that she has to sleep at nine every night. She gets ready and plans what to do for the next day. She plans the best for her students, sometimes cracking her head just to get new teaching techniques. I am amazed at how she could juggle her responsibilities all at once. With her consistency and determination, she has become a well-liked person. She always keep reminding me to do well and will tell me when I am wrong. She corrects my mistakes, which makes me a better person.

The tips she gave me, the help she offered, and the fun we had, are unforgettable. She gets me motivated and inspired by her actions. “What is the use of being the smartest kid in class when your manners are not there?” That is her mantra.

I am glad, so glad to have her in my life. She simply has a great impact on me. My love for her cannot be described through words, nor through gifts. Thank you, Fahizah!