Goes Back to Campus

People who told me that the kids in my class I'm teaching now obviously have never taught in my branch. I heard 'they are spoiled rich brats', 'the parents are the ones who are concerned', 'they left sessions for more than a half hour for smoking' and many others. Oh, how those are so commonly known for us here. It's been a long time since I taught kids, so there was nothing else to prepare but my guts. :D

By the way, 'kids' here are 10 boys and a girl who each drives his own car but do not necessarily look like 'the have'. They'd come wearing torn jeans, uncombed-bushy hair, worn-discolored thongs and frequently pick their noses. 8) They'd sit on couches as if they'd sit in a 'warung tegal', one leg bended on the couch and the other goes wherever the stretching pose could take the farthest.

On the first day, everyone turned out fine. Everybody was well-behaved. Of course, I had to say some 'inspiring words' like 'please stay in the room until an exercise is done', 'this course is important for your future'. That kind of thing. I couldn't talk much that day. How could I? One parent already bursted out his words like 'don't come late', 'don't put on thongs', 'do all assignments', and many many mannnny others. I bet the father's son felt so embarassed. I felt humiliated because of the harsh words he said.

The presentation, exercises and interactions were 'normal'. I didn't have the chance to shout or reprimand anyone. I didn't see the need to do that. They are all just 'sweet' in their own naughty-kiddy way. Besides, they've come a long way from home. The sessions start at 9 and some live in Bekasi, Tangerang and other far locations. They have no lunches packed for them so they have to look for the food themselves. I also notice that most of them don't have a chance for breakfast. Where are their Moms? Or, nannies? Housemaid, perhaps? Being rich doesn't mean that they are well-nourished.:) For now, their willingness to come from places so far without 'supplies and preparation' gives me enough reason to give them the best I can.

But, after the third day, I'd better prepared for the worst. They begin to show their true colors: dirty words here and there, tardiness and the 'best' of all, lack of concentration and low fighting spirit. Only yesterday did I see a test participant doing reading comprehension part WITHOUT opening the page and relying on his cheating skills. He didn't even bother to pretend that he was reading the part. This gave me angry goosebumps because the others couldn't finish the problem either but at least they tried to read and then guess.

ARRGGHHH... The real torture begins.