My True Companions

So, I guess this will be the best time to post this.

Next term will be their last term at school. And after that, they're going their separate ways.

We started at this place at the same time.

They were new. I was new. And we have grown up together. Ever since.

This has been the biggest batch so far in the school for Interior Design department. 13 Students (Which the batches before was only around 5-7 students). Quite a large number for a rather new semi private school. Story cut short, they're looking for another lecturer. I was available. So, there I was. And here I am, almost 2 years later. 

Didn't get the chance to teach them on the first two terms though. But I had the chance to meet them on Orientation Day and one ending class which I was subbing in for. 

On orientation day, there were 4 lecturers present including the former head of department. As I was new myself, I was more observing and followed along with the other 2 more senior lecturers. Giving my opinion when asked. Adding information that I think is important yet forgotten. In other words, I behaved. Holding myself back a bit :)

For the students, well..almost all of them were freaking out when were asked to sketch something, yet others got really confident on informing their ability. But overall, they were holding their-selves back too. 

But..the ending class was a total contrary to the Orientation Day.

They were actually finished with their assessment, and it's submission day. But because somehow, they missed one meeting, the program director asked me to do a review on their assessments, inform them about things that could've been improved and let them do it. 

Having to know that, the majority of the class just refused to do so. And when I say refuse, it means shouting loudly all together at the same time. (ok..please keep in mind that they are 13 young men and women at their late teens)

Only like 2 of them were willing to do some improvement, which obviously were necessary. And the others, well..how can I put this.., of solidarity, stayed in class. But not as noble as their intention was, they were having so much 'fun' in class. The 4 boys which are rare in the batches before, were showing some 'amusing' things that causes the rest of the students, which are girls obviously, surround them. All giggly and screaming as normal girls are when they're around boys.. :D

So, forget about good first impression!

The next time we met again, was their 3rd term. The bunch has gone down by one, and so they're 12 of them now.

We got the standard classroom, the one with the lecturer's table upfront with rows of students tables. And for somehow, the students selection of seats showed their levels of seriousness. Front rowers and edge-liners were some of the most focused ones. And by that, made the inside part of the seating arrangements and the back-rowers  the less focused ones. Well, what can you do about that?

The subject that I taught was new, but I was very enthusiastic on going through with the class. It's basically technical ways to explore your creativity and to develop your concept from it.

Well, it may kinda sound a bit abstract. But the lesson plan is designed for that, leading the students step by step.

In general, they're the most unfocused bunch I have ever known. Doing lesson related games to break the ice in the beginning of the lesson, was a wrong move. They got all fired up when I started the lesson. Well, it's a good thing if they're not this over-active bunch.You can count, probably only 2 or 3 students, who captured what's being lectured in one time explanation of a subject. Not because they're slow or anything like that. Mostly it's because they're not paying attention or not focused. Why? Well, I'm sure that they think they're so unexpected. But, obviously they're either playing games on their laptop, softly chatting or browsing other things that's not related to the subject.

To make it more annoying, they'll be seen all enthusiastic and curious that after the lecture so many of them ask questions. Which for not too long of a time, I realized that they did that because they didn't listen up at the first place.

Oh well, students will be students..

And that's why it took me by surprise collecting the first assessment. It was far from what I've expected. Most of them were damn serious and professional looking, very characterized, and was done whole-heartedly.

Ever since that first assessment was submitted, I definitely looked at them with a different perspective.

As I was saying, though everyone was dazzling, this one kid really popped out on this subject (as you will learn, I'll have my different favorites for different subjects). 

Yessica Teno.

She's definitely smart. Out of the box. Persistent.

Which I know from that moment, could be a boomerang for her if she isn't aware of herself.

        

Along the way, for 3 months of a 4 hours once a week class, I learned a bit of something about everyone in that class. An important and interesting bits that is. Very useful and meaningful for me teaching them in the future.

The classes with them after that first fun experience was all Construction classes..and other technical classes.
So, if you guessed they were a total chaos, you're absolutely correct! It's negotiation from week 1 up to week 11. They'll negotiate with you from the paper size, the number of pages, the drawing scale, the number of drawing item, everything. You name it, you got it. Never missed a thing.

And with construction, the boys were assuredly gonna stand-out the most.
Ryan Salim and Alan Dharma Saputra
They're perceptive. Thorough. Logical. Curious. Very detailed. Very precised.
They've been solid through all their construction works.

       

Construction classes could be such a drag sometimes..ok, most of the times! But, Thank God for this batch..teaching construction will never be the same. Lessons are delivered as interesting as possible, and let the students do the rest.. :D and they did a very good job!

I had the privilege on handling Studio together with the well-known strictest lecturer in Interior Design, my former head of department, a person who students will grew fond of, and became a very good friend of mine.
Studio is the mother of all  Interior Design classes. Where you put all of your knowledge and ability into it and come up with the best Interior Design.

And this is where I found out about this one of a kind student ever.
Handy Setiawan.
He's damn talented and passionate. Very sharp. Diligent like crazy. Perfectionist. Very organized.
What a combination, right?

And he was as marvelous in my Portfolio class. He's so damn ready to face Interior Design world.
As I worry much about everyone, I'm about a bit of this one as well.
You won't ever know how much you prepare, how thorough you are..but in real life, shit happens..
And you have to face it, either you're prepared or not. Like it or not.
Do your best, and prepare for the worst.

This two classes really show the students real ability in many ways. Not only technically, but also attitude wise.

Well, there are two sides of a coin. That's life. You get the good and the bad in everything.
Classes and their students as well.
We'll deal with the bad later on.. :) Let's just now enjoy the sweet after a hard work.
The best feeling of satisfaction you'll get over being a lecturer.
Watching your students grow!
Good Luck for everyone..God Bless You..