Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy

Walking with Angels

Recently, I organized all the files that I kept so far in my four years as a Special Education teacher. Vivid memories of my interaction with students came to mind. At the beginning of my career as a Special Education teacher, I would look at the characteristics of my students and think about what degree of disability they had and what types of classes they should avoid. After a while, most students were able to perform the tasks that I had originally set for them. However, they were never able to go beyond what was expected of them.

Later, I came to realize that children didn't pay attention to one another's disability when they played together. Moreover, they soon discovered who could jump higher than the others, who could play video games better, and who the best singer was... So I began looking at my students from a different point-of-view rather than from that of a teacher, and I began to see their positive qualities. When I was with them, I found they were no different than the other "regular" students. They have great potential to go beyond anything. Since I no longer pay attention to their disabilities, but only focus on what they are good at, I found the way to help them do their best.

In fact, the true meaning of Special Education is to give every child an equal opportunity for education. Through Special Education, some kids whose parents had already given up on them can still learn to improve themselves. The learning process may be very slow--it may take one year for these kids to learn to press their fingers. However, to their parents, it is still a big surprise! As long as I change my way of thinking and use a more open-minded attitude, I see how cute these kids are, and that they are no longer different from other kids.

This change was inspired by the way our Shifu treats his dizi. His kindness, patience and genuine love made me realize that action speaks louder than words. I started being introspective, and I thought about how I have treated my own students when Shifu is so accepting of me irregardless. Shifu allows me to try again and again so that I learn from my own mistakes so I can reach my full potential. The meaning of my life is enriched because of this. Therefore, shouldn't I treat my own students the same way?

In teaching, it is inevitable to become frustrated along the way. At school, there are many administrative responsibilities. Especially when facing so many kids, we need to focus all our energy, and it is normal to become tired easily. Fortunately, practicing qigong allows me to recharge my energy both physically and mentally so I can be ready to face any challenge. The kungfu that Shifu teaches us helps us "teach ourselves." This way, we learn to be introspective and realize that many situations are not as bad as we think. For instance, when a child does something to make me angry, my anger disappears immediately after I look at it in a different perspective. This type of kungfu provides endless possibilities for learning.

Confucius' equality of education is a very noble idea. It is also the highest goal of every teacher. However, it is difficult to put into practice. In fact, there is no fixed rule. It all depends on our own hearts in that we need to be truly merciful and brave. Educational equality should not only be a slogan. I believe that if we put our hearts into it, we can accomplish any goal. This power is so strong--as long as we really open up our hearts.

When I open my heart and am truly concerned about each student, every one of them becomes a lovely angel. They are all my little babies!