Nice to see you

I bumped into a former student, Anjana, on the Skytrain. After exchanging pleasantries, she told me she’s attending a Business College in Bangkok.

“How is it?” I asked. “Fun? Relaxed? Chill? Thai-style?”

“Yes,” she giggled, “I like it.”

“And you have been there, what,” I followed, “two years already?”

“No!” she objected, “I was in your class last year!”

True enough, she graduated in June. I lose track of time at this school.

“So, how are things at school?” she asked.

“The same, I guess.”

“I heard so many teachers left!”

“Yeah, that’s true, and more will leave this year.”

“Why?” she wondered.

“Part of it is natural,” I responded, “but, also, there might be something wrong.”

“Like what?”

“Too much pressure! Too much work! It’s the same for the students. Look at you, just one glance and I can tell you’re much happier than a year ago. So much more relaxed!”

“That’s SO true!” she confirmed.

"Remember a year ago? Pressure? Deadlines? Projects? Tests? Forms? Grades? Progress Reports? Teachers yelling at you? All those meeting with your mother in the VP’s office? In a healthy school there has to be time to think and space to breathe.”

She agreed, and then added, “this is my stop. Nice to see you.”