As working adults, we definitely want the best of the working world – a good paying job with benefits and the weekend off. Most of the time, we suppress the thought of whether we are truly contented with the job we have. As long as we are paid well, we grit our teeth and go to work daily, thinking of how close each minute will take us to the weekend (even though most of the time this thought comes on a Monday morning!)
Now picture this. You are in the marine industry, in a rather important position. The salary you are drawing ensures your life to flow smoothly. Yet something inside you just does not feel right. The passion that has burned inside of you for so long, has died a quiet death and you realise that perhaps, you are not really doing what you would like to do, even though everything seems to be working out well – pay, stability, etc. However, one person took a brave step and left the marine industry and found more meaning in her life when she opened her a childcare centre.
The big jump
Mrs Oh-Yip Kwai Heng, principal of My First Classroom located at 21 Sennett Lane, has been in the childcare line for 6 years now. Why such a jump from one field to another? “I had all this love to spread and share and my job was not one you could do that! I love children and I thought, ‘well, why not a childcare centre?’” explains Mrs. Oh-Yip.
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Learning outside of the classroom
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Crediting her ability to empathize, Mrs Oh-Yip waves off the hierarchy of student-principal and is ready with a hug or a friendly chat, should any of her pupils approach her. That’s not to say Mrs Oh-Yip is just around for that. She also teaches the K2 class and occasionally brings the class to the garden where they can either perform or get their creative juices flowing by writing about anything they wish to.
The atmosphere at My First Classroom speaks for itself. Teachers and children interacting warmly and having fun with learning, cosiness seeping through every corner – the children attain their level of comfort immediately upon arrival, each day. Mrs Oh-Yip salutes her group of teachers who are able to spread her aim of ‘loving, educating and patience’ to the children. Mother to one kid, Mrs Oh-Yip sees every child at the centre as her own child.
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Birthday party: Nothing like it
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At My First Classroom, no child is ostracised from any programme due to financial problems. From a young age, Mrs Oh-Yip realised and till today, understands that children should not be segregated due to the lack of finances in any programme. Mrs Oh-Yip dedicates her days to the centre’s 45 children and nights to her daughter. Mrs Oh-Yip will even be organising a camp as a farewell for her K2s on Dec 22nd to the 23rd. “Oh it’s going to be great fun! It will be in the school with 17 kids. We will have team building games, fun play and a movie and shopping packed into one fun-tastic time! We will be shopping with the children presents for Mummy and Daddy!” exclaims Mrs Oh-Yip.
Well as much fun as the centre is and leaving is going to be hard for the K2s, they probably have started counting down the days leading up to a promising fun camping experience. With a structural yet fun and happy place for children to go to, it is no wonder not a single child at My First Classroom spots a sulky face!
Does Mrs Oh-Yip have any regrets leaving the marine line? “Not at all! If anything, the regret is not leaving sooner!” she grins.
To find out more information visit My First Classroom’s Website!
