I will never forget the last class that I taught in college. That motley crew was a nightmare and the sum of them put together was enough to put me off teaching for the rest of my life. It was not that I could not handle them but it was their attitude or the lack of it. Seriously, I hope those kids have matured and have become responsible citizens. In that cohort, there were many who plagiarized assignments (but these still turned out real bad because they plagiarized the wrong stuff and the whole assignment did not meet my stringent course requirements at all!), those who were only present to meet the attendance requirements, one who ran away from home, sons and daughters of datuks and datins, one spoilt princess, rich and rude students and gosh - it is too stressful to remember them ...Previously, for eight years, I was teaching top students in another course until a change in policy directed me to that department.
One of them even said to me, "Miss, we pay fees to ****college. The college pays you. Do you realize that we are your bosses? So, if we want to fail it is our business and if we don't want to hand up our assignments, you don't have to chase us."
You would not want to hear my response. But the reason why I am bringing this up is because that particular girl, who is actually a very smart girl, crashed another student's car one night after the college prom. I was not there at the prom for I hate such glam affairs and would much rather lounge around in my jeans or shorts :-).
The next morning, the class was in a commotion as I walked in. Then there was silence.
"So did you guys have a good time?" I asked politely.
One of them related the incident to me. Just as she finished, the girl walked in, smiled at me, sat down and took out a cheque and passed it to the girl whose car she had crashed.
Later, I discovered that it was a cheque for 10 000RM.
My heart sank. What if they had not been so lucky?
Two years earlier, another student had totalled his mom's car along Kelawei Road. He came late for my class and when I asked him why, he said he had an accident the previous night and had spent the night at the police station making the report.
"Really?" was my skeptical response. Then he showed me the pics of his car crash in his cell phone and I gave him a few words of advice. This boy is a much more sensible and well-brought up character than the ones in the other class and to this day, we still keep in touch.
The reason why I am telling all these tales is to prepare you for the set of pictures I put together in the next slide presentation.
Life is so short and sometimes, when one is not careful, not only could one risk his/her own life, but that of others. Worse still would be the serious injuries that no operation can put right.
So, if you have any children, friends, neighbours or relatives who drink and drive, please send them this set of slides and raise awareness about the dangers posed by drunk drivers.
When I first saw the photos (which were sent to me by my sister-in-law), I was very upset. In fact, I cried. I felt the physical, searing pain of the girl, I felt her anguish at the way her life would never be the same...and empathized with her for I know the road to recovery is not an easy one. I felt the trauma and heartache of her parents and her friends. To live the way she looks, to forgive and to move on - is certainly not easy but Jacqueline is certainly a woman with nerves of steel...and an inspiration for us to live with an attitude to forgive...
* A word of caution : If you are fainthearted, please do not view these slides. Sorry if these offend any one. My intention is to raise awareness and not to shock.
Drive safely...take care and may God bless and protect you and yours.
4 comments to WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO FORGIVE LIKE JACQUELINE?
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Unknown Dear Robin,
Thank you for your very heartfelt and sensitive comment. Thanks also for reminding me about the young man who must be grappling with guilt and trying to forgive himself and trying to free himself of criticisms and condemnation.
Like you, my heart goes out to Jacqueline, her friends and family for certainly the path to recovery must be painful, challenging and traumatic.
As a mother, I always tell my older boy never to drink and drive and for him to call me wherever he is if he is in a situation. Even then, I worry for him sometimes so I can imagine but can never fully feel the deep deep pain of her parents.
The mass media and the entertainment industry has been preaching for far too long the gospel of pleasure and self-centredness. There must arise a new message that reaches out and guides youth on the right path. And I know, that it a monumental task but not impossible. Most of all, it begins at home with the parents.
Thanks again Robin. I am also touched by your very conscientious and civic-minded response.
Take care and thanks for coming by to share your thoughts with us.
Shalom.
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jonno1951 Paula
I would be speechless except I feel such anger at the unfairness of the tragedy. I am glad that my wife, son and I don't drink and drive (he doesn't even have a full license yet) but I can't say that regarding my daughter as she is living on her own and is a party maniac. She says that she has always volunteered as the driver so she can't drink but I would be skeptical.
Anyway, it is not always those who drink/drive that ends up like Jacqueline. Often they are the one that gets away scott free but left with a regret that will haunt them for the rest of their life for what they had done.
Just a short visit but felt I needed to say something
Hugs
John
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Unknown Hi Uncle John
Thanks for sharing your views..And it is true that the guilty ones usually get away scott free but then again, the guilt would have robbed them of inner peace and a clear conscience and I cannot imagine how they could ever enter let alone drive another car without choking over the lumps in their throats!
Ah - it is not easy being a parent! But I am sure yours are great young adults with your excellent parenting skills and that of your lovely wife honed through the years!
Take care and have a good week!
hugs and much love
Robin Easton I have no words powerful enough for how I feel. I am sorry for everyone involved. I pray a for awakening for my culture (USA) that encourages drinking and sends the message to young people that it is "cool" to drink, my heart sends love and courage to this brave brave young woman who now walks one of life's MOST challenging paths -- it doesn't get any tougher than this. My also heart sends courage to the young man. I pray he can forgive himself and bring positive change into the world through his awakening. That he can teach others not to do what he did, that he can change the world through his horrible mistake, a mistake that will be with him his whole life, a mistake he will never be able to escape, a mistake that millions of other people could make any day any time. I send love and courage to her parents and care givers. You are very right to post this my conscientious friend. It MUST be posted. And it MUST be this REAL or people don't take it seriously.I just doesn't sink in. I also hold accountable the colleges and universities AND sadly high schools that encourage this type of partying and drinking, and foster it as a cool image. We must awaken, learn, and those like yourself or myself must help create awareness for those who do not yet see. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and deep caring. I am touched by it and you. Robin