With over 30 years of corporate experience, Principal Mrs Dolly Teng shares her passion for nurturing children. Read about how a once rebellious teenager experienced love and was empowered to achieve her fullest potential.
My Corporate Life in Brief
I started as an Executive Principal in PCF for 7 years. After, I came to Jurong Christian Church Kindergarten (before it became DGP) to be an educator for 8 years. God called me into another season, where my main ministry was to help children with special needs. I tutored for the last 15 years from home. Subsequently, I was convicted to return to this place (now DGP), and in 2021, I was promoted to Principal.
My Angsty Teenage Years
I was a rebellious teenager who only listened to the teachers I liked. I remember the horrible pranks I played on the teachers I disliked. I would put glue on their chairs, and there was a time I even scratched a teacher's car. I came from a family where I did not feel loved. I was angry and resented everyone, which resulted in my poor conduct at school. This did not discourage a 60-year-old relief teacher. She willingly took me under her wing even though I was blacklisted by many teachers.
I did not know what to do in my life at that time. On one occasion, she took me out for a meal at KFC and talked about my potential. "Do you know you have a good nature? Do you know you can do greater things in life by showing who you are instead of showing your ugly side?"
It was then that I felt heard and known. The teacher continued, "If you want to do well in your studies, I am willing to help you if you invest your time properly." I knew she truly cared for me and agreed to put in my best effort.
My Turning Point
Every day after school, I would stay back for 1.5 hours to complete all my school work. I studied hard because I finally found someone who wholeheartedly believed in me. I wanted to make her proud. She would prepare homemade meals for me as I stayed back. This went on until the 'O' Levels Examinations. However, before I did my first paper, I had learnt that she had passed away. I could not concentrate. I felt lost. She had been battling cancer, but she kept it from me. I could not tell that she was ill as she refused chemotherapy and seemed cheery and healthy to me.
She was my catalyst. The one who inspired me to be a teacher so I could impact students' lives. She was and is my inspiration. She drove me to pursue a career as an excellent educator. I am extremely fond of children as they are vulnerable, and I am in a position to protect and care for them as best as possible. I aim to make a positive impact in the lives of all my students.
How People Come Full Circle
While in PCF, I taught a boy who had a medical condition regarding a swollen head. He would cry and make a mess throughout the sessions. I had to adapt and work around his needs so the lessons would not be disruptive. After 6 months, he started to like me and was happier coming to school. After he graduated in K2, I thought I would never see him again. To my surprise, I met him years later under different circumstances. My mum had been hospitalised. When I went to visit her, a nurse with a big head came in to serve her. I wondered if he was my student till I saw his name tag. He also recognised me when I introduced myself. We had a long chat. I remembered his words, "When I was young, you took care of me, and now that I am older, I can take care of your mother." I was deeply comforted to hear those words from him. It was a heart-warming and touching experience because we came to a full circle. The last I heard, he has now migrated to Australia.
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