If we are all students , then we may be teachers too

Some people believe that we are all ‘students of life’. And if you subscribe to that belief, then it may be well worth thinking about the ‘teachers of life’.

When I think of this term, the image that typically pops into my mind is that of school. I usually think of teaching as a profession, a duty to impart knowledge from one generation to the next. But in the 28 years that I've been alive, I have come to learn from teachers who never saw themselves as such.

They have been my friends, colleagues, and more recently, my documentary subjects.

I would like to think that most of us learn through communication - the telling of stories that act as vessels for the facts and information we need to function and advance as a society. This is often seen as both a skill to be honed and responsibility that is bestowed upon professionals, but it is actually innate to all of us.

I came to this realisation this year, when I had the opportunities to teach, to be taught and to expand my understanding on this essential part of human relationships.

To Teach

I found myself in the role of a teacher for the very first time when I was asked to conduct Documentary Storytelling and videography workshops for students ranging from age 12 to 62. It is an opportunity that I have been awaiting for some time, though admittedly for a selfish reason.

As one teaches, he/she is forced to confront and test the true grasp of the knowledge and skills that one seemingly possesses. It had been particularly effective for me during exam crunch times in polytechnic and university. And this effect seems less from the opportunity to impart knowledge but more from the responsibility one feels when imparting it.

"Are you sure?" "Is this right?" "What is the best way to showcase this?" These questions naturally come to mind when one cares to teach - and I found myself taking the extra time and attention required to prepare for the sessions ahead of me despite the ongoing work I have as a Documentary Storyteller.

But it is also this very profession that compels me to take on such opportunities. Increasingly, I am finding myself in front of the camera communicating to an audience that I cannot see in real time. But how can I improve despite this lack of feedback? There is only so much that the view count of my videos can tell me.

So, being inspired by how comedians hone their craft, I yearn for more opportunities to teach so that I can hone my craft in front of the variety of people that I hope to engage with.

To Be Taught

Having walked a little in the shoes of a teacher gave me a newfound appreciation for the teachers in my life - and this includes those who never sought to teach. Though I must confess that I have been lucky with the people I have met along the way here.

When I was doing my internship at Resorts World Sentosa - I was placed in the Rooms Operations and Training department - and my direct supervisor was (and still is) a passionate teacher.

In the teams that I had worked with through my documentary life, I had hour-long conversations with colleagues and clients who imparted their wisdom earned through their own triumphs and mistakes.

And most deeply, my documentary subjects had taught me too. A unique aspect of my work is that I am tasked to internalise the interviews I have conducted over and over again. An hour long interview may be reviewed by me more times than I would like to ascribe a number to as I work through my storytelling process.

Each time it is an opportunity to speak once again to the people who were once in front of my camera. To do justice to their stories, I had to go beyond just what was said and to truly understand what they meant so that I can manifest their trust in my direction during the editing phase.

Thus, it is no surprise that some interviews have fundamentally shaped who I am. This year has been particularly instructive as I am in the midst of completing my first Documentary series - and it is about coaches, on their philosophies of coaching and what principles they have in shaping the environment for their students.

Our relationship may be that of storyteller and person of interest - but I'd like to see it sometimes as a generous teacher and a curious student.

To appreciate this aspect of human relationships

Much of my reflection in this article stems from the key moments of what has happened this year. But it is also motivated by what will transpire in the days and years ahead.

I am writing this article on the same day I welcomed my first team member into OKJ Works. I am now an employer, and with the nature of my work - I accept that role of imparting knowledge to the mutual benefit of us both.

I am also grateful for the numerous freelance mentors/tutors whom I had started engaging with more meaningfully this year, particularly Isaac Neo (my English + Current Affairs tutor and editor for my LinkedIn articles) and Ng Jingyun (my voice coach).

I took a page out of the late Lee Kuan Yew whom I recalled had a Chinese tutor so that his fluency in Mandarin does not slip. Despite his busy schedule, such time was made. I guess that inspired me to take similar steps in mind - though I confess having a Chinese tutor at this stage in my life is still too big a step, though it is one that I genuinely feel I would like to take eventually.

I would like to end off this post with a TedTalk that has positively shaped my perception of what it means to teach. While she spoke about it in the context of a profession, the basis of her speech is rooted in what makes us human.

Enjoy.