Different paths, same goals: Although Muhammad Edzaerul Aidel (left) felt destined to be in the classroom, Tan (centre) never imagined becoming a teacher, while R. Kanageswari wants to help others.
JOHOR BARU: Growing up with two teachers as parents, Muhammad Edzaerul Aidel Mohd Zaid always knew he was destined for the classroom.
The eldest of five siblings said he had seen himself as a teacher even when he was still a student.
“My parents never pushed me to become a teacher but I knew from a very young age that teaching was my calling.
“I was inspired by how my parents treated their students and their dedication to shaping young minds.
“I wanted to do the same for future generations,” he said in an interview.
The 25-year-old, who recently began his journey as a teacher for special needs children, said while the job was not what he had initially expected, he never regretted his decision.
“I used to think that a teacher’s job was only to teach but there is so much more to it, including administrative tasks.
“It was also not my initial plan to teach special needs children but when I was offered a bachelor’s degree in special education (learning disabilities) from the Institute of Teacher Education, I gladly accepted it.
“Although teaching children with special needs is more challenging, I truly enjoy doing it,” he said, adding that his pupils are between the ages of seven and 14.
Muhammad Edzaerul Aidel, who teaches at SK Felda Air Tawar 4, said his students include children with Down Syndrome and autism.
“I have also learned that being a teacher means I have to coax students into entering the classroom when they refuse, comfort them when they cry and cheer them up when they are sad,” he said.
Meanwhile, Foon Yew High School Seri Alam campus teacher Tan Jia Yi, 24, said she never imagined that she would become a teacher.
“My degree is in Biomedical Science. Normally, graduates in this field work in a lab or a research company but I wanted to try something different.
“During my internship, I worked in a lab for a few months but I found it rather boring.
“When I was job hunting, I came across a vacancy for a Science and Biology teacher. That captured my interest, so I decided to give it a try,” she said.
The second of three siblings said she has been enjoying her new job and finds it easy adapting to the school environment.
“I was excited but also a bit nervous at first as I had no teaching experience.
“So far, I am adapting well and also learning in the process,” Tan said, adding that she teaches Science to Form One students and Biology to Form Four students.
SJK (T) Ladang Rini teacher R. Kanageswari, 24, said she decided to pursue a career in teaching so that she could help others.
“I find teaching appealing and a good way to help others.
“It also feels good to be able to guide students and help them grow their confidence,” said Kanageswari, who is the school’s counsellor.
She also said she finds her new job enjoyable and interesting.
“For someone who loves sharing knowledge and supporting others, it’s pretty fulfilling,” she added.
