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Australian Center for Education (ACE)
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Farewell...

When I was planning this term, I knew I wanted to spend more time on writing.  When Phillip told me about the blog his students were doing, I thought - that sounds like a perfect way to practice both reading and writing, and have fun too.  I hope you've enjoyed it.   10 weeks is not a long time to make big changes, but I certainly have seen improvement in your writing.  When I graded the final writing essays, I knew that all of your blogging had made a difference in your writing!  I am proud of you!

I've appreciated your creativity and your willingness to try new things.  Some of you have gone above and beyond the requirements, and have taken risks to push yourself to a new level.   Each of you has a distinct personality that comes across in your writing, and I've enjoyed your different perspectives.  We have poets, philosophers, dreamers, thinkers, and creative people in this class!  

My greatest hope is that you will continue expressing your thoughts and feelings after this class is finished.  I hope that you won't only do what you have to do for school.  Challenge yourself to go beyond what most people would be happy with.  Do more.  It's ok to be different from others.

Please don't lose heart when the studying gets difficult or boring. Keep yourself interested in learning by researching and reading about topics you love.  Yes - please read!  It will take you further than you realize.  It's a great way to explore the world without a plane ticket.

You are the next generation of Cambodians to make a difference in your country, and in the world.  You don't have to do be famous to make a difference.  Do what you can.  As E. Hale said:
I am only one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything,
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
        -Edward Everett Hale

Feel free to keep in touch with me - you have a friend in the U.S.!  I wish you much happiness in your life.  Thank you for welcoming me to Cambodia.  My young learner classes have been a great joy to teach and I leave with those good memories.

all the best,
Kathleen

3 comments:

  1. I think.........I'm a dreamer,aren't I? Well, teacher this post is so meaningful.I almost cried my eyes out. You're leaving here soon, So please have good lucks . It'll be nice to see you again...I'm gonna miss you :)

    -EniX-

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  2. The time I started this term I thought "three months? That's a long time!" but now I think that time flows faster than you know it and I really miss all the good times I've had in this term. By the way,can you tell me your email address? I would really love to keep in touch with you ^^
    -rotha

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  3. Nix, thank you so much. You are such a good person and I do hope our paths might cross again someday - who knows? Keep dreaming :) I appreciate your well wishes, it means so much to me to leave with these kind words from my students. Thanks and I'll miss you too!

    Rotha, time does flow... like water... so even though it's fast, it's also beautiful in its movement. I think you have me email now, right? Please do keep in touch.

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