Students who have finished their IB studies are visiting or contacting me.
Now that some university offers are settled, they're getting in touch to express their thanks.
I'm very grateful, but I also feel a little embarrassed. I don't feel that I did all that much.
Even the fact that they come to see me leaves me feeling that I don't deserve so much.
Some visit with gifts or send digital gift vouchers.
I feel so apologetic. I can't really refuse, so I accept them,
but from my perspective, receiving gifts from students is difficult.
Still, I can't simply say, 'I won't take the gift; your thought is enough.'
I accept them with deep gratitude.
Because it feels like such an obligation, I always tell students not to buy anything when they come to lessons.
What matters far more than gifts is that they enter university without problems and achieve good results.
If they don't reach their goals, they struggle, and I struggle too. It's very difficult.
When students don't get what they wanted, there is something I always tell them:
“Studying isn't everything. Sometimes students who missed their intended university actually end up earning more.”
I say that to comfort them, but of course I still want them to reach their goals.
Lately, though, I think there is some truth in it. Being academically strong doesn't automatically mean earning well.
Having a distinctive ability can sometimes lead to much better outcomes. University and grades aren't everything, and I say that
quite often in lessons.
One student came to see me today. They earned a 7 in IB Chemistry and are going to the University of Hong Kong.
They were very committed to sport, and I'm glad their university plans worked out.
They brought me wine. I can't bring myself to use the gifts I receive; I just keep them carefully!
Thank you so much. Usually, female students have sent many of the thank-you messages and often visited with gifts.
This time, a male student came to see me like this! Thank you for getting into university without any major problems, haha.
It seems this year's students have all found good university places without major difficulties.
Thank you so much.
And now a new group is gathering to begin IB lessons.
My schedule is already completely full. Honestly, it's exhausting. One group finishes and the next begins immediately.
It takes a lot of energy, so I'm trying to exercise consistently. Exercise really seems to be the answer.
When I exercise regularly, teaching doesn't feel as tiring, haha.
Even so, I'll keep working hard and do my best to help students achieve their goals.
Thank you so much. To all the students who entered university this time, thank you.
