It all started with batch 2004’s message in October on their drive for #ACarForOurBelovedEncikAhmad which informed that
our beloved legendary Encik Ahmad was going to retire in December (this month) after 35 years in TKC (apparently 35 years, 11 months and 10 days). He had been
loyal with TKC since 1985, dedicating his whole career to the school and even declining
an offer to become principal/headmaster of another school, before finally
deciding to rest and retire this month. Hence, the plan was to
collect from ex-TKCians, 1985-2021 especially, to give him something big and
memorable and very useful for him after his retirement, which was a car! The
plan was to collect at least RM2k from each batch to reach the target
(preferably a family car) - although any car would be more than OK for Encik
Ahmad – of more than RM50k so that we could buy him a proper car. The deadline
was by 1-3 December 2021 as his retirement party would be on 10 December plus
extra days were needed to prep the BIG Gift from all of us to him.
This message appeared on 29 October and back then I
was wondering if we could pull it off. But you know what, we did it and even
tripled the collection money. Never ever underestimate the power of dreams and
sheer dedication of TKC girls when we set our mind on something! Our batch came
up with RM10,500 within a fortnight (among the highest contributing batch,
alhamdulillah). A family car was purchased, and the registration number with
letters of his name in it and the years he taught at TKC was secured. The car
was presented to him on his farewell party on 12 December. The extra money collected
would be deposited into his Tabung Haji account too. Alhamdulillah.
I never had the opportunity or pleasure of being
taught by Encik Ahmad (he taught Mathematics and Additional Maths subjects).
Nevertheless, I’ve heard of him of course. When he first started teaching,
being one of the young male teachers, he was often the brunt of our teasing. He
was quick to blush and was often the target of our relentless teasing.
Adolescent girls at an all-girls’ school can be very mischievous and we often
played tricks on our teachers especially on April Fool’s Day. He was not spared
of course. He brought his own chalks to class because someone soaked the chalks
once. One time, the students turned away and faced the back of the class
instead of the blackboard. Undeterred, he went to the back of the classroom and
started writing on the lockers. Another class went to the bathroom and stayed
there until he came and asked if he should start teaching them in there. Some
others hid his motorcycle and another year, some others hid his shoes (I don’t
know how they got hold of his shoes in the first place!). He would also
resolutely teach while remaining standing on April Fool’s Day because some
pranksters may have poured some glue on the teacher’s chair. I think if all the
stories and memories with him were compiled, it could become a very interesting
hilarious read indeed. Despite being a very shy person, he grew up with us and
became wise to our ways. He was infinitely patient and never lost his temper
with us. Forgive us, Encik Ahmad and all teachers, for our naughty ways. We
never meant to embarrass or offend you. We were just being girls, and you know
what they say: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Even after we had left school, he was
there, a constant assuring presence. He gave my friend, who was feeling alone
and homesick for being away far away from home at 18, emotional support and
advice.
When he was presented the car, he looked a bit lost
and confused. Later he confessed he thought us girls were playing a prank on
him again and that the car was a Matchbox or Hotwheels type of car. The first
word he clearly uttered was the Selawat for Prophet Muhammad SAW, a genuine
spontaneous expression of gratefulness for what Allah has bestowed upon him.
When he gave his thanks, he also said the car was a gift for himself and other
teachers too.
I was young and didn’t have nowhere to run
I needed to wake up and see what’s in front of me
There has to be a better way
Say it again, a better way to show I’m grateful
So I thought of this song
To show my appreciation for lovin’ me so long
You don’t know how much you mean to me
‘Cause even though when times got rough
You never turned away, you were right there
And I thank you, thank you
When I felt I had enough
You never turned away, you were right there
And I thank you, thank you
All through my life I knew that you’d be my world
Knowin’ everywhere I go things you taught me, they
would show
So many times and changes you’ve seen me through
I sure enough couldn’t have survived without you
And so I thought of this song
To show my appreciation for lovin’ me so long
You don’t know how much you mean to me
Thank you, Encik Ahmad. Thank you for your Ocean
Deep commitment, dedication, infinite patience, love, guidance, kindness,
support and wisdom in educating us (no mean feat considering We’re No Angels!).
Thank you for teaching us humility and appreciation for others. I never had the
opportunity of being taught by you but many of us had the benefit and pleasure
of your teaching. Take good care and may Allah bless you always. You believed
in us, you cared for us, and you showed us The Greatest Love Of All because –
I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used
to be
Don’t fret too much about promotions or rewards. If
you work with sincerity, humility and patience, all in the name of the
Almighty, insyaAllah, Allah SWT will find ways to bless you with the rizqi you
deserve. ~Encik Ahmad
Ameen ya rabb alamin.
#keepingupwiththekurshians
* All photos are nicked from FB. Thank you, sisters!
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