Two days of career conference, followed by three days at downtown east. The series of career talks, I must say, it gave the girls a good head start in considering their directions for the next few years. Apart from this, one important takeaway is, we shouldn't choose our jobs for glamor or money. It is the passion that will make us persevere.

Passion, that's probably the element which stopped me from hanging up the phone when the unreasonable mother screamed at me. It is probably the element which made me forgive and forget some of the things which my students have done. And lastly, it is what that gives me the courage to drag myself out of bed each morning and return to school.

Three tiring days at downtown east. During formal dinner, the little mischievous girls transformed into gorgeous ladies. Not to be compared to my time when I simply took something out from my wardrobe and wore it for grad nite. I looked at their make-up kit, their dresses and their shoes. Together with the amount they gonna pay for the camp itself, I estimated an average of $500 for each girl.

Make-up, clothes are one-time purchases. The graciousness cultivated into them is a 16-years-investment. They are fortunate girls. I hope they won't be getting new dresses for the end of year graduation night.

The camp itself, no fantastic food (I wonder why the students were made to pay so much). The rooms were reasonably comfortable (but still not worth the money). The girls are asking for hotels (they probably don't feel the pain of the bad economy). They enjoyed the talks (while I was feeling bored at the back of the room, and ended up marking their assignments). It was a tiring camp, because I only had 4 hours of sleep on the second day (activities from 6.30am till 11.30pm with roll-call at 12 plus).

I must say, I had a good time talking to some of the teachers. I think, they are indeed good role models for the girls, who are passionate about teaching and concerned bout the girls.

Took some photos with my beautiful girls, you may view them on facebook. If not for my wrinkles and worried face, I'll probably look like one of them.