Appreciation & Humiliation

Assalaamu Alaikum :)

Appreciation -

Sometimes the time feels as if it is just zooming by me ... other times, it just drags on and I just want to scream my head off :/ It has already been 2 months since I started teaching as a Kindergarten Teacher. When it comes to work, I have no clue as to where the time is going. The children especially keep me so busy that before I know it, it is time to get them ready for home.

There are times where I feel frustrated because children aged 5 and under can be very challenging to control (especially the boys! ugh) When I begin to feel like that, I wonder if I am doing my job correctly at all. I don't know ... it makes me a bit sad at times because I really want to do the best I can for my students ... they are so precious, masha'Allah.

But then, the Principal approaches me now and then complimenting on the good work I have been accomplishing with the little ones. Apparently, I have been controlling them pretty well. September is said to be such a difficult month because that is when the students are most rowdy haha Whenever someone happens to observe the way I handle my students, usually during the times they are out of control, I am always complimented on my patience and ability to stay calm haha That is what I hear the most, "I admire your patience". Hmm, sometimes I just feel I am really running low on that these days. But it is real nice to hear such things, especially from the staff at the school. May Allah Swt give me the strength and patience to continue with my good work :) I can't stress how cute they are haha I find their expressions on wanting to go "potty" very interesting. They all have these cute names for it ... I wonder what nicknames I will have my children identify it as ....

Humiliation -

We had one of our Hyderabadi Eid parties the other day .... they're annual ... but the older ones used to be much more meaningful. Now they're a bit blah. Anyways, my dad sometimes has a hand in the arrangement of the parties but this year, I believe someone different had made their attempts. Umm, it was okay I suppose. The best part of the evening was meeting up with old friends, all the girls were back together ... it was beautiful! The worst part of the evening was when some lady was walking around, hunting single women and handing them this:

All the single girls had to wear these ribbons. Why? Don't ask me, because I'm still trying to figure that out. She came over to my table (which was filled with single girls) and asked each of us if we were single. If we were, she asked us to put those ribbons on. She did not even bother to explain if there was a purpose for that. If there was a purpose, then it would be for those aunties seeking daughter-in-laws. We were all shocked that this was even happening haha That day certainly went down in history. It made me uncomfortable and I was not going to advertise my singleness, thank you very much. Although I must say ... it's not fun being a "single 23 year old Indian girl".