A very random post on SIFU, caz I wanted to write bout my sifu.
When?
4 years ago. ( around May)
Where?
My house.
Through whom?
My brother.
How?
When I started my law degree, when I've no clue what the law is, when I entered into the field of law innocently, without knowing anything about law. That's it, 4 years gone, but this is where the starting point is.
It all started with the 1st year syllabus. What I can remember was:
a) A super patient stranger whom I never met.
I was 19 by then, wondering why a stranger can be so patient to me, teaching me like what a tutor does. How does the 'tuition' carried out? Just like how you went for a tuition class, maybe just in a more informal way.
b) There is no limitation period
Too much of Civil wtf, Okay, what I mean is, there is no time limit for consultation. He was there till night, for me to ask question. Why so nice one?
c) ' You can do it'
All the motivational words definitely help, when you're so stressed about exams so all these word will keep you going.
d) After exam
How was your paper? Even to the teacher I pay to never asked me how do I perform in the exam and I've someone whom I can text to ask question even few hours/before the night of the exam.
'I'm so lucky to have known you'
First Year
It was all about studies, merely my tutor who I can look for, only studies. However as the time goes, I got to talk to him more, other than studies. However, the topic of studies will never goes off. Always there, but lesser.
What I thought bout him was the patience he has, the fact that he'll always help whenever he can. I still remember vividly as if it was yesterday we were sitting on a big table, I knew that he forgot everything about Contract Law but this was what he said:
"I need to read this all over again. Can you give me half an hr?" Half an hr later, he walked towards me and start explaining, very softly and repeat over and over again. To be honest that time after I understand he stills kind of repeating, and because of the pressure I had, I remember that I wish he could speak faster. However, everything he taught, I never forget. He makes everything simple, straightforward, easy to understand.
The law is complicated with all the overruled cases, principle and judgement. It confused me as I read, eventually I found that it is the main principle that matters. I studied quite a lot during my 1st year but it was all shi** caz I did not get the concept right, I could only see the big picture right before the exam.
Second Year
It was a nightmare. The moment I knew my result, he is the one that came across my mind. After I called my parents/my bro, the next person I called, is him. All this while he is giving me mental support, even though during my second year he would not be able to teach me, help me in my studies. I still remember when he got shocked as well, remain silent on the phone for few min and didn't know what to say. I mean I don't expect people to comfort me but I think he could feel my pain. The moment of silent was really sad. Yes, I remember every single moment of it right after I received my result.
Because I was in Spain, and guess what, it was opposite a historical church, Sagrada Familla. There is a KFC opposite. I walk towards the bus station and cry like sh** in the bus, heading toward Park Guey.
I can't remember what he told me, but I remembered that he didn't talk much, as oppose to what others did.
Next, when I met him in the hotel with my parents, he didn't ask me how's is it going, understand the fact that he didn't want to mentioned all these when my parents were there, and it was a holiday.
What I did was walk towards him, and tell 'story' without him asking. I choose to do that because I felt that he will understand, even though he wouldn't say much. All the words are so general, sounds cool but I still choose to tell him my progress even after I am back to Cardiff to do my study, once again.
Third Year
Though I've got my own study group, people who is so helpful, very effective discussion every week, but I still throw question to him. It was 1/2 night before I remembered, and it was trust question. Worse, it was an article with judgement because I guess there is a need for my essay question just in case and the lecturer did stress out. It was about Sinclar if I'm not mistaken. Lord Reid Judgement fml. It was long, it was confusing but guess what, I got a very long e-mail from him, trying to make things clear for me, explain to me in plain English, word by word. He has got work to do and I did not expect such e-mail coming in with details!
I knew that he did it overnight, staying up perhaps after work or maybe sacrifice some surfing net time to do that for me.
I usually do not ask the question the night before caz I don't expect people answer right after I send them question. However, this SIFU of mine will apologies for replying late! It just makes me feel more bad lol. Like I'm the troubled one and you ended up telling me sorry, paiseh till the max.
Finally, Thank God, I've graduated.
Since this post is dedicated to my SIFU, I would like to specifically thank him.
From the 1st day I know what is contract law till today, I'm doing my CLP. It's been the 4th year and I couldn't believe that I could come this far. There is many people that I should thank but let me 1st offically thank you, because first come to first, I have to pass my 1st year in order for me to get into Cardiff University to continue my law degree.
I would have stucked there if I couldn't get a certain mark to enter into UK.
The first day I arrived in UK, you've greeted me and my brother, and you accompany me into my room together with my bro. I can remember this scene! Many many thanks to you Adrian, this is also a reason why I will continue named you as my SIFU because you do really like my SIFU, perhaps something more than a tutor.
CLP
This year, a very tough year for me, though you're 3992034 0miles away but you still never failed to give me constant encouragement.
Using a tone a sifu should have' You must go for every paper, there is no reason for you to skip. Do not tell me you're not going to sit for the paper'.
Tbh, I'm in the verge of giving up. I don't see myself putting effort in my studies. I avoid going towards the study table, I avoid flipping my book and once I sit down infront of my book I walked away after few min.
Although it still depends on me at the end of the day, but all these are the reasons that keep me going.
Regardless of what the outcome is, all the words, the thoughts that count.
I will not give up, and no matter how bad the condition is, I will continue to do my work, study as much as I can, remember as many cases I can, even though I really do not know how to do at the end.
I try, at least, I need to, right?
I write and then I pause..
This post seems a bit long but I took sometime to write it.
Thoughts bout you, we do not exchange many words but as ur tutee, I feel blessed and glad to have known you.
Again, this picture to end my appreciation post! :)
Again, this picture to end my appreciation post! :)
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