Clockwise: Me, Mark, Leonard, Rodney, Weisi, Wan Ping and DDSW. DD gave us a lunch treat about a mth back to thank us for our contributions to the branch.

Yesterday was my last day at work. It has been so fast. One year has passed and I have managed to get through the year unscathed, even though there were very tough moments and a damn steep learning curve. Made real friends here, given a lot of guidance by my Supts and DD, exposed to things at a higher level.

There were moments when I thought I was not able to perform, when I doubt my abilities, and when I felt I made a wrong move by coming over to HQ. But at the end of this stint, I have definitely came out of it wiser and smarter.

Being in HQ is not as hyped as it is made out to be. As long as you are willing to learn, able to take criticisms, and have some level of efficiency and organisation, you'll survive in HQ.

Having said all that, I'm glad that the stint is over. When we saw the new SAPOs came down to the office for their first day on the 17th Dec, all the SAPOs who were leaving were grinning from ear to ear. Cos it means it's game over for us and we are passing the ball over to the newbies. And I am extra happy cos I get to go off about 10 days earlier than the rest cos my study leave starts this Fri, 19th Dec.

So for the last time yesterday, I took the train to Redhill, bought my choc pancake from Jollybean, ate it as I walked to my office, and once I was at my table, I sent out emails of thanks to my Supts, DD, Principals and Vice Principals I worked with and my friends I made here. DD gave each of us a book on leadership as a parting shot, my new PO gave me a pencil case, my Supt gave me a bag, another Supt gave me a vase...I actually felt sad when DD gave us her farewell speech. The branch has done so many things together!

And cos it was my last day, the SAPOs, old and new, had lunch together for one final time. And I hugged each and everyone of them and wished them all the best. Don't know if I will ever see them again but teaching is such a small fraternity, I'm sure we will meet one way or another.

And with that, I say goodbye to this chapter of my working life, and look forward to the next phase of my professional life. Studying again. :)



My friends. :)