Gentle Affection

Have you always wanted to be a teacher?
Growing up, I always assumed that I’d work in a corporate job like my parents; I never imagined that I would become a teacher one day.

In college, I initially studied psychology, but followed my friends to make a switch to early childhood education even though I was always awkward with children, as 18-year-old me was scared of losing my friends. Luckily, I grew to love teaching eventually, especially younger children!

Tell us about the challenges and fulfilment you experience in your job.
As a preschool teacher, I find that earning the trust of my students in the early days can be quite challenging. That said, the joy and fulfilment of watching them go from barely being able to hold a pencil to tracing their own names is indescribable—like getting an ice cream after an intense workout!

Once they become comfortable with me, I get unlimited cuddles, compliments, smiles, and appreciation from my students. No matter how out of tune my singing is or how silly my drawings are, I’m like a superstar to them (laughs).

How do you like to spend your free time?
I’m a homebody who enjoys staying in to chill in my favourite home clothes, paint my nails, practise my makeup skills, and do arts and crafts.

When I do go out, I enjoy thrift-shop-hopping with my boyfriend, Dennis, both locally and when we travel abroad. We also like running errands together, whether it’s grocery shopping, collecting parcels, or developing film, which I guess is part of adulting.

We hear that you’re quite the cook at home! What’s your signature dish?
My most-requested dish is cheesy baked macaroni, which Dennis sadly hates because he doesn’t eat cheese. I find cooking really calming, but for the most part, I cook because I need to feed Dennis (laughs).

Share with us one thing you’re looking forward to this year.
I’m excited for my family’s new home in the Philippines to be fully completed! It was always my parents’ dream to own and design their house one day since they’re both in the architecture and engineering industries. I can’t wait to see the place and to celebrate special events there soon.

What’s something that not many people know about you?
I’ve never worked a day in an office and I’ve always wondered what it feels like to have my own desk where I can hang a sweater on my office chair, and plan my work outfits every day (laughs).

Top 3 items on your bucket list:
First is to pet a duck, which I recently ticked off! Second is to dye my hair pink, and lastly to get a helix or daith piercing.