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What spurred you to become an
AHM?
Leong Heng: Seven years ago, a
preacher prayed for my wife and me, and
he saw a vision of many foreign children
running after us. Initially we thought that
we may be called to be missionaries
in a foreign land. A few months later,
our friend, who was a former AHM,
encouraged me to become an AHM.
After finding out more about the role of
an AHM, I was reminded of that vision
immediately. God’s call cannot be any
clearer than that. I am happy to serve
here and to offer my gifts and talents as
God’s channel of blessing to everyone
in the Hall.
Siew Geok: I have always enjoyed
working with people and especially with
young people. I have been involved with
youth ministry for many years in my home
church since my youth days, from a youth
leader to a youth advisor. I’m very thankful
when the door was opened some 7 years
ago for me to join ACS OH as a volunteer
AHM. I saw this as a mission field at my
door step. It has been a tremendous joy
serving God here in ACS Oldham Hall
(ACS OH).
Inez: The desire to touch lives and provide
boarders with memorable boarding
experience as much as my own has been
touched when I was a boarder. I had a
wonderful time as a boarder and would
simply aspire to pass on the love!
What are the challenges that you
face as an AHM?
Leong Heng: The initial challenge was to
remember the names of our boarders and to
match them to their faces. Another challenge
is to strike a good work-life balance as all
the AHMs either have their full-time day jobs
or are full-time undergraduates. On top of
that, I have a family with two young sons to
take care of. So it is important to balance
all facets of life.
Siew Geok: It has helped me to relate
with people with diverse nationalities and
background. I always find it tough to be a
strict yet caring person and ACS OH has
given me the opportunity to sharpen this
aspect of me. The other challenge would
be time management. After work, when I
am on Floor Duty, I am like a “mother” to
96 girls ensuring they will adhere to Study
Time, Roll Call and Lights Out. Something
I miss is my 10 pm bedtime. The night is
always young even on nights when I have
no duty; there may be meetings/counselling
sessions I need to attend to.
Inez: Striking a balance between
disciplining and providing pastoral care.
Juggling school work and Oldham Hall
work is another immense challenge.
What is the most rewarding thing
about being an AHM?
Leong Heng: ACS OH is a community with
so many like-minded AHMs who are very
passionate to serve God and the boarders.
We have many opportunities to organise
and plan activities for the boarders together.
It is like a great big family!
Siew Geok: It would be seeing ex-boarders
returning to serve as Assistant House
Masters/Mistresses (AHMs).
Inez: Seeing boarders grow for the
better. Forging lasting true friendships
with a bunch of fabulous young people
comes next!
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Teachers instruct and share knowledge, motivate and inspire those under their charge. They transform and enrich lives, and shape the future by nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. With such heavy responsibilities, it is no wonder that the teaching profession is said to be the noblest of all professions; it is the profession that teaches all other professions.
In this issue, the spotlight is on teachers. Read on and find out how they view their profession as they share with us their aspirations, challenges and teaching experiences.
