Just got the notice at work that I will be changing team. I’ve been reassigned to the Genomics team. That means I will be leaving all my 100 first year kids for the 3rd years. Am I happy? Yes and No.
Yes, because 3rds years are more independent in their learning, more matured as a student and more familiar with how things are supposed to be done in school. Ie. Easier to teach.
Yes, because I will be teaching something that is directly related to my field of training. And that I won’t have to dig up some knowledge I’ve never learnt before, try to learn it in a very short time and teach it to some kids fresh out of high school.
Yes, because I will get to play a more significant role and contribute to the structure and planning of the subject. It is overall more exciting, challenging and fulfilling.
Yes, because that means I am progressing in my work. My expertise has been recognized and I am being transferred to the right place.
No, because 3rd year kids tend to be more arrogant and hard to deal with. They think they know a lot and they challenge their lecturer to test their knowledge on the subject topic.
No, because that means I’d have to walk further away from my office to the classrooms. We call it ‘cross country’ in our campus.
No, because with more responsibility comes more work and more thinking. Sigh… ;-)
No, because that means I will be leaving my first year kids halfway through the semester. Why am I sad? I have grown to know each and everyone of them personally. I have seen them grow in the last 2 months, spoke into their lives and became their friend. I am not satisfied to just leave halfway. The semester is not over, and I can’t bring a complete closure to what we have shared. My heart was so torn when I heard the news. “What about my students, those individuals under wing? You mean you are taking them away from me? What will happen to them?” Argh!!! I think I have grown to love my students. This arrangement sucks!
Had my last day with a specific class today, broke the news to them and it was a shock to them. Sigh… they don’t want me to go too. They asked if I will miss them and if I could do something to stay with them. For sure, I will miss them. I would like stay with them but I also know that I am called and needed more elsewhere. There is a place, a role for me to fill in the other team. It is time to move on again. For now, I shall do my best with the 3rd years and hopefully, I will grow to love my new students (if they don’t give me too much trouble.. hehe).