(Minghui.org) After graduating from a teacher-training school, I got a job in a preschool. Everything at work seemed new to me and on top of that, the children in my class were very naughty. I did not know how to educate them well and felt stressed—especially given the high expectations of my supervisors.
One boy was burned badly on his face by a bowl of steamed egg soup. Another child was hurt during playtime. The parents sued the school and demanded compensation. The two incidents were a big blow for the lead teacher, who was eventually transferred.
I was frightened to go to work because I was worried that something bad would happen. I felt exhausted.
Positive Changes in Work Environment After I Began Practicing
I began practicing Falun Dafa in 1996. I understood the true purpose of being a human and the karmic relationships among people. The grudges and dissatisfaction I had towards my workplace disappeared. I was more hardworking and empathetic towards the parents and the children. The children in my class were more obedient. As a practitioner, I knew that this was Master’s compassionate protection.
Many teachers were worried about the children having potential accidents, so they kept them in the classroom. I usually took my class outdoors during playtime. I also reached out to the parents and was considerate of them. They said they were happy that their children were in my class.
A Letter of Gratitude Posted in Gate of the School
Ming Ming is a quiet and shy child. He took a box of new crayons home. When I told his grandparents about this, they were upset. I learned that his father passed away and his mother remarried. The burden of raising Ming Ming fell on the grandparents. I was concerned when I learned of his situation. His grandmother said, “Ming Ming has been attending school for two years but no one cared for him like you do. We don’t like to talk about his story.”
I started to pay more attention to Ming Ming. I often encouraged him and nurtured his good habits. He became more confident and cheerful. He also improved in many other areas. His grandparents were very grateful.
When the semester ended, his grandparents wanted to buy me gifts. I declined—instead I clarified the truth to them. They were very touched and his grandfather said, “We should praise and commend a teacher like you. Although I don’t know how to read or write, I have asked someone to write you a thank you letter.”
The letter was posted on the school's front gate. A supervisor told me that I was the only teacher who received a letter of commendation. However, I was evaluated as “incompetent” during our annual teacher review because I was a Falun Dafa practitioner.
Learning to Think for Others
I knew the meaning of life and learned to be a good person after practicing Falun Dafa. Not only did I teach the children academic knowledge, I also taught them the principles of being a good person and how to be considerate of others.
I read them traditional Chinese stories. The morals of these stories teaches them to be considerate of others, to help people in need, and to take a step back when encountering conflicts. During snack time, I always reminded the children to share their food.
One day Lili’s father told me that he was touched at the changes he saw in her. Lili often wanted the best snack and was never considerate of others. When her father brought some strawberries home one day, Lili took the biggest strawberry and offered it to her father. He was surprised and Lili said, “My teacher told me to think of others and let my elders eat first.” Her father was touched by her actions.
Saving the Delicious Snack for the Younger Brother
Before enrolling in school, the children were all overly indulged by their parents. They were selfish and egocentric and their parents had no way to educate them. I often told them traditional Chinese stories, and talk about karmic retribution and how to be a better person. I praised and encouraged their good behavior. They gradually changed for the better and they learned to share and help others.
Meng Meng’s mother brought her out to play one time. Her mother realized she only brought one of her favorite snacks. While Meng Meng was playing, a younger boy saw the snack and wanted to have it.
Her mother asked, “What should we do—we only have one snack?” Meng Meng said, “Give the snack to the younger.” Her mother asked, “What will do you now that you don’t have a snack?” Meng Meng said it was okay. In the past, she was very unwilling to share her snack. Her mother was very happy to see that Meng Meng had become more generous.
“I Will Wash Your Feet When You Grow Older”
I teach the children to care for their parents and elders. Yueyue’s mother was washing her feet one day when Yueyue said solemnly, “Mom, I will wash your feet when you get older.” Her mother was very touched when she heard this.
The modern education system is derailing the traditional values and is on a path of teaching children modern technology. Many bad habits are formed as a result of this. Children are selfish, arrogant, and fight for personal gain. Parents’ values are also declining.
I emphasize children’s moral standards and learning traditional values. In addition, I teach them the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, show them how to differentiate good from bad, and remind them to be considerate of others.
The children in my class are no longer as selfish and they’ve learned to be considerate of others. They are more polite, compassionate, truthful, and sincere.
Dafa has unlocked my wisdom and uplifted my work environment. I am happy and do my work well. Thank you Master for your compassionate salvation.
Views expressed in this article represent the author's own opinions or understandings. All content published on this website are copyrighted by Minghui.org. Minghui will produce compilations of its online content regularly and on special occasions.
Category: Improving Oneself