Teacher - My Friend (standard:non fiction, 1717 words)
Author: Jasen	Added: Apr 28 2002	Views/Reads: 3860/2303	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
A story based on some true life classroom incidents in this society.

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

after school tomorrow?” 

“Mr. Khoo, I think I will need to ask my mother.” 

After, school that day, he returned home and asked his mother. 

“Mum, can I stay back tomorrow after school?” 

“Why do you need to stay back after school for?” came the answer from
Jerome’s mother. 

“Because, my English teacher, Mr. Khoo wants to speak to me.” 

“Okay, you may stay. But don’t come home late.” 

The next day came. After school Jerome went to the teachers’ room to
look for Mr. Khoo. 

“Good afternoon Mr. Khoo,” said Jerome. ”I’m ready to see you.” 

“Okay, Jerome I just want to know more about you and the reason behind
why you dislike mixing around in school” Mr. Khoo questioned. 

Jerome took a moment to think before answering back, “Mr. Khoo, to tell
you the truth, when I was younger, I was a cheerful child without any 
worries. Until a year ago, since I stepped into this school, things 
began to change. At home, my parents forbid me from going out with my 
friends. I felt bad and upset; thus slowly we lost contact. Since then, 
I feel like a caged bird, not allowed to have freedom till someone 
releases me. And slowly after that, I discovered that the reliability 
of my friends no longer exists as they only care for me when we are 
happy as a group. But individually, they are not that helpful at all. I 
felt depressed, and thus stop interacting in school. To me, it seems 
everyone is a block of bricks not giving me space to breathe,” Said 
Jerome sadly. 

After listening to Jerome’s sad story, Mr. Khoo felt sad for him and
decided on helping him. He asked Jerome, “Jerome, is it possible for me 
to know something more about you?” 

After considering the question, Jerome gave a reply, “Yes”. 

From that moment, a new friendship has just begun... 

~ Chapter 2 ~ 

Counseling 

The friendship that both the teacher and student has built up is a
complicated one. Mr. Khoo had to convince Jerome’s mother that he was a 
good son and had good qualities. After a few session of such, she 
finally gave in and in exchange, Jerome received his freedom. He did 
not really return to his old circle of friends, because being wiser has 
made it possible for him to select and choose his group of friends so 
that he would gain his mother’s trust. 

The whole project of removing the mental block in Jerome’s mind made Mr.
Khoo a more cheerful person. When he was about Jerome’s age, he too had 
been in a situation similar to that of Jerome’s. Through the years, he 
tried to overcome the fact of being left alone without any friends. His 
family tried to help him out, but it failed to have any effect on him. 
Till one day, when he was alone in the school library working on his 
assignment, a teacher approached him and asked him why he had always 
been working alone and after that conversation, she found the problem. 

Through a series of guidance, he began to realize how good it was to
have friends. From then on, being motivated, he wanted to be a teacher 
as his great wish was to nurture the future generation to be life long 
learners, being responsible, righteous and resolute and also being able 
to contribute to the society and also good citizens. And his first 
accomplishment as a teacher is to help the students and also to assist 
them. 

Despite being lonely at times, Jerome is now friendlier and also able to
accept friends and interact with them. He also understands what 
“freedom” means to him. 

~ Chapter 3 ~ 

New Life 

Jerome starts off every day with an energetic mind filled with wonders
of the series of things that may happen on that day. He feels that 
suprises are everywhere. They happen all around us. Looking forward to 
meeting his friends cheers him up. Since he started a new life, he 
still could not forget about a particular savior whom he calls 
“teacher”, Mr. Khoo. They meet each other once in a while to discuss 
about things or homework. 

Since his change, he began to have friends who were trustworthy and
caring. No one had ever thought that it would happen – even Jerome 
himself. He is no longer restricted to the condition of not being able 
go out with his friends. He has to return by 10 p.m. and must remember 
to do his homework. Having that in mind, he obeys and treasures his 
freedom. 

He did well for his Mid-Year Examination. Never had he expected a
surprise to happen – going on an educational trip with his school to 
Perth, Western Australia. 

As teachers’ day drew in, he decided to make something for Mr. Khoo– A
set of 5 bookmarks, to show his sincere appreciation for the help and 
encouragement Mr. Khoo implanted in him. 

Chapter 4 

~ Happenings ~ 

Teachers’ day finally came. On the eve of that joyous occasion, Jerome
presented his little creation to Mr. Khoo. “ Mr. Khoo, as a token of 
appreciation, I would like to present to you this set of bookmarks, 
though they are valueless,” Jerome said sincerely. 

“Jerome, actually, this Teachers’ Day Gift that you have given me means
a lot to me. Thanks for the gift,” said Mr. Khoo thankfully. 

In Mr. Khoo’s mind, he pictured Jerome as a child who would grow up full
of wisdom and knowledge to become a good and well-nurtured person. 

As time goes by, Jerome will be facing more challenges at both work and
play. The challenges will prepare him physically and mentally. With 
perseverance and a strong mind, he will be able go through these 
challenges. 

Jerome has made a really true who ensures that he understands what
friendship means to him. This kind of friendship is considered 
worthless, but precious... 

From that day on, he is always hanging around with his other three
friends other than Mr. Khoo. They are Lucas, Stacy and Zheng. 

- After word – 

This short -story ends with Jerome being enlightened. But as he
progresses, more challenges await him. Whether he is able to cope is a 
mystery that will not be revealed, but a series of events may take 
place at the later part – Part 2. 

Teacher – My Friend is a short-story set in a story scene with plots
adapted from real life classroom scenes. The characters’ names are not 
related to real life people. I wish to emphasize that “Having the right 
choice of friends and being inspired and motivated will lead you to the 
right route in life. Being indecisive may mean the end of you” please 
take note of the above phase(s). 

© 2000 Du Zhengdao 

Teacher- My Friend 

Written by Du Zhengdao on 22nd October 2000 

Edited by Mohammad Shaifulbahri 

& Koh Ngiap Soon, Jeremy 


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