Maths mentor weaves her magic

MATHEMATICS was almost an impossible subject for me in primary school and there were times when I could only score 10 marks.

My mother was a teacher but she wasn’t able to help me as she was an English Language teacher.

She was upset that I wasn’t doing well in the subject. She hired a new tuition teacher whenever the previous one failed in improving my scores. Many of them were good at the subject but somehow they were unable to help me and I continued failing miserably.

However, everything changed when my mother hired Madam Ong. She was an excellent teacher but she had a temper. Being the discipline teacher in the school she taught, she was strict, fiery and therefore unpopular.

I forced myself to go each week because I wanted to do well in Maths. After a few months, things changed for the better. Strange as it may seem, I began to enjoy going to her house .

She often chided me for my mistakes and there were times when I would cry. However, she had a way of teaching that made the difference. She helped me understand difficult problems and solve them easily.

I believe that it is because of Madam Ong’s unique teaching technique that I had overcome the “mental block” and fear for Maths.

Madam Ong often reminded me that good results could only be achieved with hard work and perseverance.

In 2005, I sat for my UPSR (Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah) examinations. I had one objective: to pass Maths with flying colours and I did.

I did well not only in the UPSR, but also in the PMR (Penilaian Menengah Rendah) and SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) exams. I am also doing well in my college exams thanks to Madam Ong who despite being strict, inspired me to do better in my studies.

In our daily lives, we must not run away from the things we fear. We must confront our fears and overcome them. Without Madam Ong, I would not have excelled in Maths and gone on to pursue my tertiary education.

To show my gratitude and appreciation, I have been sending Madam Ong presents each year on Teachers Day. LEE WAN WEI