My Petty World

to Catherine... my tribute

How would you feel if you have this student twenty years older than you are? Would you get intimidated, or would you feel proud as to knowing more than a person twice your age? As for me, i was just uncertain then as to how to deal with her. The challenge for me that time was the fact that she is already good in English (I was an ESL teacher). All my uncertainties disappeared though during our "getting -to-know" conversation. Right then and there, I made up my mind-I am going to like her. It was so unlikely of me to trust a person that easily, I don't know how, but it happened.
Many of us find it impossible to right away find the few good people on Earth; but I tell you, I found one in Catherine. I found her humility genuine, her intentions pure and her words just sincere. I know it is not proper to get so attached to people in the workplace as far as professionalism is concerned, much more a teacher to her student. But I got close to her somehow, I even consider our relationship way beyond the usual teacher-student one, but more of FRIENDSHIP, sometimes even like older-younger sister or mother-daughter association. She has shown me the love and affection of a friend- the Korean way. Unbelievably, she has given me the kind of respect a teacher expects from a learner... I think that was, in a word humbling. I know, I may never see her again, but she had gained her rightful place in my heart. In my memory her kindness, her generosity, her friendship linger. I am always thankful for having met her. My student, my friend, my mother, my sister, my teacher... all in one... all in Catherine.