BEYOND the “selamat pagi, cikgu” lies a teacher whose hardships are quietly masked, not because they matter less, but because teachers are often expected to be the emotional strength carrying students forward.
And their work is not just confined within classroom walls; it is like a shadow walking alongside them.
This Teachers’ Day, Sarawak Tribune delved into the emotional and mental strength of a teacher, whose dedication and perseverance are seen through his students.
With over a decade in the education field, lecturer Kevin Keegan has moulded countless students, carrying them even after they have graduated.
A lecturer majoring in persuasive communication and an alumnus of Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang Faculty of Mass Communication (2003-2005), Kevin never knew that one day he would be an educator.
During his younger days, he always thought he would lean into marketing and advertising.
However, his journey as a lecturer, though unexpected, was the pinnacle of his life, a passion he never knew he had.
With influences from his brother, uncle, his former lecturer and colleague, Miss Rossalynn, and an anime character — “Onizuka-sensei” from Great Teacher Onizuka — he steadied himself into the career, and stayed on to this day despite the challenges.
“I never regretted my decision to become a lecturer.
Sure, I stayed on because of the pay.
But that was just a minor part of the job. I wanted to see all my students finish their studies.
I wanted to see them become someone successful right after they graduate,” he said.
Beyond an educator
There are days when entering the classroom is harder, but there is no excuse for teachers not to enter.
Beyond their role as educators, they are expected to show up.
“We do get emotionally exhausted some days.
We are also human.
We have our own private lives, but we still show up for our students each day.”
Kevin further emphasised that as educators, they are also the face of institutions or schools.
Throughout his time, he has met numerous challenging students, but through these experiences, he has learned how to deal with them.
These days, he said, there are formal programmes for new lecturers and teachers to be trained on how to deal with students.
Though the demands can be mentally exhausting, Kevin continues to show up with dedication.
After all, teaching today goes far beyond the classroom, with paperwork and administrative duties becoming part of the job.
What goes through the minds of teachers today is often clouded by external pressures and endless tasks, leaving many mentally exhausted behind the smiles they wear in the classroom.
“I remember last Christmas when I needed to key in my students’ marks.
I did it while my family and I were at kampung to celebrate the festivities.
Nevertheless, I didn’t mind doing so, as it is part of my responsibility as a lecturer,” he added.
As teachers, Kevin shared that the role does not end once they leave the classroom.
Even at home, educators are expected to uphold a certain image, as they are seen as role models for children.
In an era where everything is just a screenshot away, even the slightest mistake can easily be magnified and judged online.
A simple gift to teachers
Each Teachers’ Day, gifts are laid on their tables, a show of appreciation and gratitude.
However, for the Mass Communication lecturer, it is through his students’ grades and success in their studies that he feels appreciated the most.
“With good grades, they are saying that they’ve learned from us teachers, and that they want to be the best from our teachings.
Just by succeeding, that’s a gift that students can give to us teachers,” said the 45-year-old lecturer.
In conjunction with today’s global observance, Kevin hopes that teachers everywhere will continue to be respected and appreciated for their contributions.
Teachers are the mould that shapes the minds and character of today’s students, while also serving as guiding figures who help pave the way towards brighter career prospects and futures.
While the world continues to evolve with technology and artificial intelligence, Kevin believes teachers will always remain essential because students still need human connection, guidance, and understanding.
Despite the emotional exhaustion, pressure, and sacrifices behind the profession, he continues to stay — driven not solely by income, but by the passion of watching students grow into better versions of themselves.
“It is not easy to become a teacher, but we still do it because of our passion to build a better generation,” he said.
