In my last posting on my first truancy in School, I wrote about the reason for playing truant and the punishment I gotten from it. If you have missed that post, you can read about it here http://www.welsonang.com/2012/02/at-age-of-14-my-first-truancy-in-school.html

At the later part of that year, I am proud to say that my courage and skills improved tremendously from the training and coaching I received from the "organization".  My behavior and values also changed because of that. For example, I walked 360 or "Sa Bak Lak" in hokkien, starring people for no apparent reason, always ready for a confrontation and many more things. Basically, I don't put people in my eyes. My attitude was "I am the king, I am the world".

That day during my Art & Craft lesson, I am creating a commotion at the end of the classroom, disturbing the class. My art teacher Mr ART (name changed for privacy) got flared out and punished me. He asked me to stand outside the class and drew a circle for me to stand in. While he continued teaching the class, I began to irritate him with all the small actions. Mr ART got irritated and we had a heated argument. Things got so worst that we shouted. All of the sudden, the magical spark came. Mr ART touted "YOU SON OF A GUN". That's it! This spark ignited me. I touted back vulgarities at him and finally, I lost my cool. I went into the class, grabbed my chair and flaunted at him all the way from the back of the classroom. I cannot really remember if the chair hit him or he shielded off. The whole class was in a shock. Time stopped for a while when one of my classmates ran out of the class to seek help.

Within seconds, my classmate came back with the discipline master, Mr Sani. Now, the commotion started again. While Mr Sani was trying to calm the situation down, I ran and grab Mr ART by the collar and attempted to finish him off. But I fail. I was caught by Mr Sani and dragged me out of the class. He was a nice guy although he "caned" me before. He told me to calm down while he tried to resolve the matter. Thereafter, he bought me to his office to reason things out.

In his office, he analyzed for me the situation and the trouble I got into. He said, he would inform my parents and the principal. He said I could face expulsion from the school for my action.  I became very worried as my parent will definitely gets very upset. I pleaded with Mr Sani to help me. He said he would put in "good words" and asked for leniency for me. He just requested me to leave it into his hand and don't speak or attempt to defend myself during the meeting.

My parents were informed and came. Together with Mr ART, my parents, Mr Sani and myself, we were in the principal's office. Throughout the meeting, I maintained silent as promised. Moments later, I was asked to leave the office while they have a closed-door discussion. After a wile, I was asked to go in. Finally, the verdict came. Principal decided to pardon my behavior and wanted me to apologize to Mr ART. I was also given 3-strokes of cane.

This incident finally came to an end. My first fight was actually against my teacher.

After that incident, Mr ART and I actually became closer and on talking terms. I also scored "A" for Art & Craft. After I left school, we lost contact.

Ironically after many years, while I was in my printing shop, a familiar face walked into my shop (Expressprint @ Chinatown Point) to place a print order. He was Mr ART. He couldn't recognize me as my size "ballooned". I went up and acknowledge him and we reunion-ed. I even smoked with him. Haha.

My reflection: Thinking back, it was indeed very childish of me to react that way. Violent can never resolve issues. I thank Mr ART for his kindness and acceptance. It was through his guidance that I became creative and also indirectly leading to the business I operate. For those who liked my designs, Mr ART was my inspiration. I will like to honor him as my mentor.

More interesting stories are coming. Stay tuned!

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