Humans of Woodlands
Humans of Woodlands is a catalogue of stories collected from Woodlands. Every term, we interview a familiar face in Woodlands and take a glimpse into his/her life. Storytelling helps us make sense of our inner world and the world around us. We are stories we tell ourselves. This issue, we speak to Mdm Jama!
Each lesson you teach
Each smile you lengthen
Each goal you help reach
Our resolve renewed and strengthened
Presenting to you our Level Head (drumroll please…..) – Mdm Jama!!
Truly, she is one of the most inspiring teachers in Woodlands Secondary and it is without a doubt that she has touched and motivated each and every student she has mentored. Let’s hear more from her as she shares with us her thoughts and dreams.
1) Where do you see WDL in 5 years’ time?
I see WDL as a vibrant place with lots of colourful conversations, interesting passions of teachers and students coming alive!
2) What do you think makes last year's cohort special?
Of course, we are special! We started the journey together in WDL and we are quite a quirky and enthusiastic bunch!
3) Tell us about a student who made an impression on you.
The student who made an impression on me is Iniya (1F 2022). She came into the school in a very unassuming manner—very quiet and reserved. In fact, I could still remember the days I had to chase her out of the classroom during recess. I think I ‘tortured’ her with all my nagging that she would just skip away when she saw me approaching. Sometimes I even wondered if she understood what I said as all the response I received was a nod or a shake. However, it took me by surprise when I saw her playing a game of catch with some classmates a few months later. I didn’t realise that her voice was so loud and her giggles were so infectious! Despite her being in a new environment, I was impressed by the way she handled the challenges that came her way. She worked hard, was curious to ask and her desire to strive to do her very best allowed her to make the best out of the opportunities presented to her. Thank you, Iniya, for reminding me to have that courage to try new things, to believe in myself and to stay positive!
4) What is one thing you would like to change about WDL?
If I have a magic wand and if I can change anything, I really would like to encourage all of our WDL students to dream big and believe that they can aim high! There is so much potential that I see in our WDL students. In a short span of a year, I see so many good things happening here. I am heartened to see our students feeling proud of the school. I am heartened to see our students chasing their passions and feeling confident of themselves.
To our students, I hope to see more of you believing in yourself, pushing boundaries and really, striving for the best as the sky is limitless!
“I really would like to encourage all of our WDL students to dream big and believe that they can aim high!”
5) Share with us which subject you have issues with? So how did you overcome this challenging subject?
It is very ironic that I was in a triple Science class when I was in secondary school. At that time, I didn’t really think much about my preferences or strengths. I followed my friends who were all geared towards the sciences. I wasn’t particularly bad at Science but I am more a Humanities person.
I struggled with Biology because there was just too much memory work initially. I didn’t do well because I didn’t put in much effort to revise or memorise the content when I was in Secondary 3. It only hit me when I flunked my EOY exams and my Biology teacher told me that if I wanted to do well, I actually could but I was just lazy. That jolted me and woke me up and I started to make sense of Biology by connecting what I learnt in the textbook to my everyday life. I spent time revising difficult topics and I could still remember the digestive system and all the enzymes that break down our food. It sounds silly but I would vocalise the food I eat and talk to my friends or parents about which enzymes were breaking down which food group as I was eating the food. The silly habit made me internalise the topic well and I was able to relate to it.
I discovered that for me, I needed to make sense of the things that I’ve learned and apply them in everyday life. I tried doing it for the other topics and it worked!
Mind mapping was also something that helped me manage this subject. It helped to consolidate my learning on a piece of paper. Writing down important notes helped me to commit them to memory. Some may say thi is lame, but it worked! I am proud to say I scored an A2 for O levels… With effort and the right attitude, I am sure you can overcome your challenge, too! 😊
“I started to make sense of Biology by connecting what I learnt in the textbook to my everyday life.”
6) What is the last book you read?
Reclaim Your Heart by Yasmin Mogahed.
I chose this book as it talks about hope and renewal. Sometimes we get caught up with our daily tasks and assignments. Or maybe we are distracted by the newsfeed or the latest trends on social media. Or you might feel hurt and disappointed with someone. We are always constantly busy doing something or battling with our feelings until we neglect what is important.
So what is important, really?
For me, this book serves as a reminder to be at peace with myself and to press the pause button whenever necessary.
This book is highly recommended if you wish to journey a meaningful path in life.
Photo Caption Contest!!
Fancy a challenge?
Take a look at the photo of Mdm Jama (see left picture). Come up with an appropriate caption to describe Mdm Jama's thoughts and emotions.
Interested to see your teacher or your peer being featured here?
👉 Let us know who: https://tinyurl.com/woodsarelit2024s4