PADANG TERAP: Despite her ailments, Marziah Che Ok, 66, from Kampung Masjid Baru Naka here managed to put on a smile when her former students paid her a surprise visit in conjunction with Teachers' Day.
It was an emotional moment for the retired teacher who last met them more than a decade ago.
"I am very grateful for this sweet and unexpected reunion.
"I will pray for their success," she said, while holding back tears upon receiving Teachers' Days memorabilia from her former students.
Marziah, who retired six years ago, suffered a stroke in 2020. During recovery, she suffered another blow to her health when she slipped and fell at her home last week.
The incident left her paralysed from waist down. She also suffered from another stroke.
Marziah said she had learnt many things throughout her service as a teacher.
"I believe my greatest achievement was successfully guiding many students from underprivileged backgrounds to be successful in life.
"In 1987, when I was stationed at SMK Bingko in Keningau, Sabah, I managed to help three of my former students to convert to Islam.
"I have to thank all my students, not just for this wonderful gesture but for the blessings that I have received for educating and caring for them," she added.
Marziah said the responsibilities and duties of a teacher were a noble undertaking, essential in forming a developed society.
"To aspiring and young teachers who are dedicated to the profession, never lose your spirit as an educator, no matter how difficult it may get.
"It is not a task to be taken lightly but it will be worth it in the end. We must commit ourselves and humbly seek God's blessings to facilitate our noble calling," she said.
Her former student Nor Aini Mohd Noh, 29, attested it was the teacher's influence and guidance that had shaped her into growing up as a successful property contractor.
"As a teacher, she was very strict but at the same time she did it in a very graceful way especially with me.
"She helped make me realise that as a woman, I can also succeed in life and in my career. I still hold tight to all her advice," she said.
Meanwhile, Padang Terap Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS) branch chairman Jaznizam Husni said that celebrating Teacher's Day was crucial as the student-teacher relationship was unlike any other.
"Without teachers, we simply wouldn't have a functional society. Unlike any other relationships, the teacher-student bond is special because even after decades, students will always have the utmost respect towards the teachers." he added.