Frankly speaking, when I was first informed of my practicum posting, I was really excited and eager to do my practicum. I started to think on how I am going to introduce myself when I first entered the class, what am I going to wear, would I be serious enough in front of my students, how is the school, the teachers, and most importantly, the students. Despite the excitement, I would not deny that I had a mixed- feeling on that. I was afraid if my students could not accept their new temporary English teacher, and how their reactions would be when I teach, since obviously, I had no experiences whatsoever in teaching. I was also curious on what would be their first impression on me as a teacher. Then, I got to know that my practicum school was at SMK Tunku Sulong, Jeniang, and unfortunately, I had no idea on where Jeniang was. I started wondering on whether my school was really a rural school (since I never came across the name) and that, I know, I might face the biggest challenge, which is to teach students in the rural area.
1. My first impression of the school. I did not really have any high expectations on my school at first (in terms of facilities and the building), since I know that rural schools are sometimes isolated and not getting much attention by the authority, and that is the saddest part actually. But to my surprise, when I first stepped into my school compound, I was shocked to found out that my school is big and beautiful! I was very happy, of course, and I began to feel that I will enjoy doing my practicum in the school.
2. My first meeting with my English teacher mentor. One word to describe my first meeting with my English teacher mentor is, INSPIRED. Her name is Pn. Norzian and she may look like any other ordinary teacher, but getting to know her means so much to me and I knew that she was not just an ordinary teacher. With her warmth smile, she said that