Keep On Improving

The first lecture in my life. I must do it good and right.

That was why I arrived at 730am on 20th April, a far cry from the usual 845am. Lecture is suppose to start at 8am, and a considerable amount of preparation is needed, even though I had physically went through the syllabus the week before.

I arrived at LTQ2 20min before the official class starts at 8am. Pleasantly surprised, there are already many students waiting outside the LT. I saw one of my mentees sitting quietly in a corner bench. She did not attend orientation but I recognise her from my photo class list. I said hi to her and made my way to LTQ2.

Taking in a deep breath, and looking at the 90 empty seats in front of me, I felt strangely excited. This is what I have been waiting for the last 9 months in NYP.

My first lecture session.

As the students streamed in, the excitement grew. Soon after excitement turned to anxiety as the projector screen failed on me! Can you imagine... First lesson on first day of school of Semester 1.

Nevertheless I maintained talking by introducing myself and the module Materials Science.... miraculously the projector screen came back at 830am. I lost 30min but managed to gain back my composure.

The rest of the lecture went well. I found out that it is not easy to deliver a good lecture. From voice control to creating humour, to clear explanations, these skills will only sharpen with time. Fortunately, this batch of Year 1 students seem much more diligent and attentive, compared to the previous batch, which makes the job of new lecturers like me easier to handle.

Like what I told my students " I hope you will continue to improve", I truly hope I will also keep on improving.