CHRISTMAS is the best time to be GRATEFUL

When I came to school after the lunch break, I was surprised to see a Christmas card on my table. It was from my Korean student, Kevin.

The card made me smile. And I even thought, "This is the best I've got for Christmas." For me, this is more than a card. It is a sign that I've done well as far as being a teacher is concerned, this year. This card represents how my student appreciate me as his instructor.

If only all students are appreciative of teachers' effort, then schools would be the best place to work for.

**************

Later that afternoon, another Korean student -- also from ILI -- gave me another Christmas card after we had thesis consultation.

When I opened the card, I was quite surprised with the headline: FOR YOU, MOTHER.

Ha-ha! I never knew I am this old to be considered by a college student as a mother. I even thought, why would he look up to me as his mother, why not as his sister -- or a friend?

When I opened the card, the question I had in mind

was answered.

Charles was right -- that the headline of the card would make me laugh or wonder.

This card made me think about my being an instructor. For the past years, I've always been so grateful to students who appreciate my effort. Now I am sure that when you love your work and the people around you, love comes back more than a hundred times.

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