See you Next Time!

“I hate Goodbyes, maybe See you next time! is better.”

I knew I have to wake up early today and I did. However, the preparation and dressing up seemed to be a difficult step to take. I wouldn’t want to start the day as I know things today are going to come to an end. I am a person who gets emotionally attached easily and to say that I wasn’t connected to my students and the teachers in SMK NU 1 doesn’t speak truth.

               The clock continues ticking and the sun is high up though my spirits are low. I have to carry each step heavily towards the school. I knew I have to say goodbye. I was lost in these sad thoughts and finally found myself standing in front of the institution I have been with for almost a month. The institution that taught me a lot of things and helped me see the world through a different lens.

               Pak Fatih, a faculty of SMK NU 1 hardworkingly organized the farewell program, gathered both the English teachers and the students all the same in their newly built social hall. While the students assemble themselves in front of where the teachers and I were seated, I wept a tear falling unconsciously down my cheeks. I wish the students didn’t notice such thing. But, some teachers notice how sad my face was.

               My cooperating teachers Bu Uswaton, Bu Emy, Bu Titin and Pak Masbuhin and all their classes, Pak Bisar, the vice headmaster and the program organizer Pak Fatih and his co-staff was all there for me, bidding their farewells and their best wishes. Students have representatives to tell what they have learned and their impression and what their message was for me which emotionally moved me knowing that somehow all the hard work and efforts I have poured have somehow paid off.

               After that, it was my turn to deliver a short speech and I hardly tried not to cry in front of them and was surprisingly successful to have concealed my heavy and sad emotions. I told them that joining in the Southeast Asian Teacher Exchange Program was one of the best decisions I have made in my college journey. How their country and the experience impacted me will forever be a part of who I am and who I will become. I expressed my gratitude to the teachers and the students and staffs alike. And told them not goodbye but See you next time!

               Upon arriving home, I opened the gifts and received Batik fabrics, a watch, a bag, picture frames of my students and myself. I couldn’t be any more thankful than I have been.