Simple gesture that made the day

Last Tuesday, just before I started my lecture, a familiar face was standing not far from where I was. It didn't take me long to realise that it was my student from the previous semester.

This student was from war-torn Iraq. Her family came to Malaysia during the attacks on Baghdad by the Allied forces. And her family has been here ever since.

The reason she was in the lecture theatre that warm Tuesday afternoon was to personally convey her thanks to me for the lecture I gave last semester. I find the gesture from this student particularly humbling and motivating. It was the last thing I expected any student to do.

Nonetheless, that gesture made the day for me. The lecture that followed was also equally satisfying and rewarding. The students were attentive and participative. The class was lively. I hope this particular class will continue to have the same motivation in the last few weeks of the semester.

As for the Iraqi student who came to the class last Tuesday, I pray that she will continue to do well in her studies. She has a promising future ahead of her.