Told by teacher that daughter was 'abnormal' 13 years ago, mum is happy her baby girl now going to NUS
Happy Mother's Day? One mother is indeed happy.
The reason?
On May 4, Stomper Irene's 21-year-old daughter received an offer of admission to the National University of Singapore (NUS).
"My baby girl is going to NUS soon," proclaimed the proud mother.
This closed an enduring wound inflicted 13 years ago by a teacher who told the Stomper that her daughter was "abnormal".
Her daughter was in Primary Two then.
"Her English form teacher gave very serious feedback to the principal that she realised my daughter was abnormal, couldn't communicate, couldn't speak simple English and couldn't do her homework properly."
The Stomper explained that in her family, they speak Chinese at home.
She met with the principal who suggested that her daughter be sent to a special school for kids with learning disabilities.
"I beg the principal and teacher at that time not to because she is not abnormal. She just could not speak English. The principal saw that I was very insistent and decided to give her a chance."
The Stomper also credited a Chinese teacher named Mrs Zuo in the primary school in Choa Chu Kang.
"Mrs Zuo was very, very nice and patient. She helped my daughter by giving her extra homework to do at home. I very much appreciated her," said the Stomper.
"I share this story because I feel we really need teachers to be patient and help our children, not keep recommending those who are slow learners in the beginning to go to a special school.
"Just imagine how many normal kids would have missed the chance to go to uni if the school didn't give them a chance."
She added: "This wound has been kept in my heart for 13 years as a mother until this day.
"If I had listened to that form teacher and principal who insisted on sending my daughter to a special school, I think today she would not have the chance to go to NUS."
Being a parent, the Stomper hopes that teachers give slow learners a chance like her daughter was given.
"Please have patience and mercy. Don't just assume and drop them into special schools. There might be kids just like my daughter. They deserve help and a chance. Thank you."
