The Good Teacher

by Janielle Beh on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at 7:54am ·

I am fascinated by the way different teachers teach. I make these observations and I learn SO much. Especially from good teachers. But what makes a good teacher? It doesn't quite surprise me to realize that all the good teachers that I've had have been my music teachers. And above all, both my dad and mum. What makes them all so influential in my life and learning and progress?

So, observations.

~ A good teacher compliments me on my strong points. A careless teacher never does - he does not see any strong points, or bothers to see past the student's weaknesses.

~ A good teacher recognizes a pupil's strengths and encourages it. I believe this is the key to some teachers being more 'inspirational' than others. By seeing and pointing out the strong points, the teacher helps the student see that they indeed have untapped POTENTIAL within them that CAN be released. That is IF, they do what must be done: practice, hard work, being meticulousness, etc etc.

This then leads to INTRINSIC MOTIVATION. My dad was the first person to tell me about this. And he's probably the first person to inspire it within me. When a teacher cultivates intrinsic motivation, the pupil realizes that this is WORTH PURSUING because they actually have that fire within them to fuel their pursuit.

~ A good teacher has something to share. Nothing can be more dull and disengaging than the teacher who is merely there to state facts and rules and enforce a fixed 'method'. On the contrary, nothing can be more exciting and inspiring and engaging than the teacher who teaches from his own experience, with CONVICTION, based on truth, on confident knowledge and expertise. The 'textbook' teacher is a dysfunctional teacher, pretty much.

~ A good teacher sets a HIGH STANDARD. There will be no room at all for carelessness or glossing over things. This doesn't mean at all that no grace is given for mistakes and weakness. It simply means that the teacher will not tolerate any half-heartedness. The goal is not to be pedantic, but to KNOW the music INTIMATELY. The pupil is expected to give his best because he CAN. And that links back to the teacher recognizing the student's strengths and drawing it out.

~ A good teacher has a balance between compliment and criticism. He does not put down a student nor does he praise excessively. Never EVER give an obligatory compliment. It is false, it is half-hearted, and the student knows that it is worthless and even possibly degrading. Instead, point out the good that's already present, in the context that there is room for improvement!

~ A good teacher knows when to be honest, but he does not criticise for the sake of it. He merely points weaknesses out with the noble intention that I will OVERCOME them soon enough. That is IF, I pay close attention, practice and work hard, listen and not gloss over anything.

~ A good teacher teaches by example. Learning is about sharing. In the case of music, it is about sharing music just as much as it's about following directives.

Losing Everything Except Yourself

by Janielle Beh on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 8:01am

I recently had a very meaningful conversation with a musician friend who had lost her violin and all her belongings - wallet, phone and the lot, while travelling. I asked her what it felt like suddenly having nothing and no one to help her in a foreign place.

She told me with great insight that it was a wake up call. Without lamenting her loss or blaming the cosmos for the trouble this incident cost her, she told me with utter sincerity that she actually thanked God that this seemingly terrible thing happened to her. Between the time she lost everything she had on her, and not to mention her lifeline - her violin - and the time she managed to find her way back to reality and get things sorted, she learned a significant life lesson.

It was that her identity, her person, her being, did not consist in the abundance of her possessions or her achievements. What a great lesson we all should learn! When all that is stripped from each of us, what do we have left? Can we still say that we are who we are, authentic, genuine, real, and fully alive? Or do we become empty shells, devoid of purpose, suddenly disorientated and losing the sense of ourselves?

It is a scary thing. I greatly salute my dear friend for looking at the situation in light of eternity and not the temporary. Losing everything and feeling that sense of lostness in a foreign place can break anyone. But instead of letting something like that break you, allow it to make you stronger.

For me, the core of my existence is my faith, my hope. Sometimes I wonder, if God were to give me a wake up call like that, if he were to graciously take away my achievements, my music, and break my pride, for my own good, how would I react? Would I curse God for such undeserved 'misfortune'? Would I give up and lose faith? Would I suddenly lose my identity and the thing that makes me, me?

Or would I feel a sweet liberation, that my life actually does not consist in what I HAVE or what I have done? In such a time, will I be able to say that there is still thankfulness in my heart? Would I be able to say, 'Wow, I actually don't really ultimately need all these things, I only need the Source of my life - my faith, my God'? And that that is truly, fully, wholly enough for me?

Who are you without your things, your successes, your trophies, your achievements, your money, your abilities? It is a terrifying question. But it is one we must ask ourselves. Because one day, when all this is taken away for a moment, will it break us or make stronger?

The Boy Who Found Himself

by Janielle Beh on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 9:35pm

No one notices the boy sitting alone on the bench in the corner of the playground. The other kids run about laughing and playing, consumed by the simplistic euphoria of childhood.

The boy is quiet and peaceful by nature. He is as amiable and gentle as any good boy can be. But nobody talks to him. And he doesn't know why.

Sometimes he wishes he could be like the other boys and girls, all silly and ridiculous, without a care in the world. However, before long, the boy realizes that all that just isn't who he is. For some reason, he didn't fit.

On several occasions, the boy had tried to strike up conversations with some of the kids whom he thought might have something interesting to say. But to his dismay, the conversations never went beyond the usual things children talk about. They were all very uninteresting, and much too childish for him.

Sometimes the boy felt overwhelming exasperation at his situation. There was no one else like him. No one else understood him. The adults treated him like the other kids, and the other kids treated him like an outcast. It was all a big, terrible misunderstanding. The boy wished it wasn't so.

Often, the teacher ignores him when he asks a question or makes a contribution in class discussion. The boy doesn't understand what is wrong with himself. Why do people ignore him?

Eventually, the boy decides to keep quiet. He occupies his time by observing the sights and sounds around him. He thinks a lot. Sometimes, while the teacher is talking, he starts scribbling notes in his text book. They are all his thoughts. Sometimes he wonders where all of it is coming from. In those moments, he realizes that he likes writing very much.

The moment he writes, the world around fades out of his senses. An indescribable thrill courses through him. He knows that he is alive. He feels real, and present. He feels more real than the reality he lives in. In writing, the boy knows that his voice matters. He realizes that the thing that matters most is in his heart. He no longer wishes to be like the other children. He feels free. Finally, the boy had uncovered what he had missed all along in his futile pursuit of acceptance - he had found himself.

~ J a n i e ll e B e h

The Transition

Finally. It is over. 

It's the transition now. 

I've graduated from Year 12, from VCASS. I've actually made it through these two crazy, hectic, memorable, challenging years! I am so thankful to God. For all the times I had to lean on His strength and find the passion to continue. For all the times I failed big time and made the wrong decisions. For all the times He saved my skin and helped me keep going and trusting! 

I have always looked at my future in VCASS and wondered if I'll make it through. And of course, by the grace of God, I did! 


As I reflect on the year, I realized it has been the best year of my life! It has been so, so, so good. I thank God again and again for giving me all the opportunities I had! The highlights are finally having muso friends who understand me and I understand them. We share the same passion and drive. We love life and we love hanging out (only after we've done substantial practice ofcourse...). Haha what more can I ask for? 


I also LOVED playing in the piano trio with Troy and Justine. One of the best experiences I've had doing music. The most amazing thing is playing with other people who are also passionate about the music, and who feel the same thing you do! It is the best feeling ever. I love it, and I thank God for answering my prayer. 


How far I've come! The first time I performed in VCASS, I had a terrible memory lapse. I wasn't nervous, but I wasn't used to performing in that kind of a focused environment either. But with God's help, how far I've come in two years! There is nothing to boast. Only a heart filled with thankfulness because I know I've not done it by my own strength. I can testify that God has answered my prayers. The prayers I prayed when there seemed no way out of Malaysia; when there seemed no hope that I would be able to pursue music, much less perform it for others, even much less get into an arts school in Melbourne! 


It is amazing. I remember also praying that I'll get the chance to compose. At the time I was limited. I was homeschooled, I've never performed before, I've never composed a single ensemble piece apart from my simplistic piano compositions. This year God answered my prayer some more! I got to perform my composition in the year-end compositions concert and I finally have the avenue and opportunities to perform and share my music. 


It is amazing, not because I am, but because God is! 


Sometimes I wonder, am I just kidding myself? Isn't all this just my own hard work and effort? I have plenty of friends who don't seem to be praying but seem to still be doing better than I am. It doesn't make sense! And it is a hard thing to write about or rationalize in the context of my faith. But I choose to believe God, and trust, and keep on believing. I know that He's helped me.       


God has been faithful to our family too. The days when we had no money to pay the rent, the money would come in, the exact amount, through people who really have no reason to bless us. Through all this, we know that if we keep following Jesus and holding on to this hope, God will provide for us. It does not mean at all that we sit around and wait for heaven to come. Dad has had to work hard and he's had to do all kinds of jobs. We had to adjust. I had to practice. We all have to do what we have to do. What is beyond us, God can and will do. But we must still do our part. Without God, there is no story. Without us, we are part of no story. 


Dad says, it's always 100% God AND 100% man. 


I haven't worked very hard at all this year. I haven't been disciplined many times. But I'm thankful I made it through. Year 12 isn't a big thing, studies isn't a big thing. I want to do well, but at the same time, I will not forget God in a bid to do well in the things of this world. Never forget that, Janielle. God is your source, God is your strength. If you forget Him, you may gain the whole world - but what's the point if you lose your own soul? 


Now I'm on holiday. I feel free. I'm gonna bury myself in books - autobiographies and Lord of the Rings and Christian literature! Woohoo :D I am determined to spend my holidays fruitfully. I need to spend time with my family. I'm gonna catch up with individuals. I'm gonna read heaps and prepare for next year. I'm gonna practice and also pick up some jazz. I'm gonna aim to acquire more music students for 2012! 


Because I'm trying to be disciplined and focused and fruitful these holidays (3 months!!!), I decided to give up my phone (which is a major source of distraction) and use Janna's terribly old brick phone. Haha man, the good old days when there was no Facebook (I still use it though), no qwerty keys or touch screens, no Youtube or internet access on the phone. So much less distraction! 


I need to write more. I need to think more and reflect and pray. I forget and I am lazy to do these things. But they are essential to my soul! God, I need you! Let me not live my ignorant life and enjoy myself. Let me not be disinterested in other people's needs. Let me not be so self-absorbed that I see no one else. Open my eyes. Help me to live my life right and use my time wisely. Thank You God for this incredible year. Thank You for dad and mum. Thank You for bringing our whole family here. Thank You for VCASS. Thank You for music. Thank You for blessing me with like-minded friends and driven peers. Thank You for being with me every step of the way. Thank You God. 

‘Anthrax isn’t scary at all compared to this’: Man-made flu virus with potential to wipe out many millions if it ever escaped is created in research lab

“For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences and earthquakes, in divers places.”
—Matthew 24:7

A group of scientists is pushing to publish research about how they created a man-made flu virus that could potentially wipe out civilisation. The deadly virus is a genetically tweaked version of the H5N1 bird flu strain, but is far more infectious and could pass easily between millions of people at a time. The research has caused a storm of controversy and divided scientists, with some saying it should never have been carried out.

The current strain of H5N1 has only killed 500 people and is not contagious enough to cause a global pandemic.
But their are fears the modified virus is so dangerous it could be used for bio-warfare, if it falls into the wrong hands.

Virologist Ron Fouchier of the Erasmus Medical Centre in the Netherlands lead a team of scientists who discovered that a mere five mutations to the avian virus was sufficient to make it spread far more easily.
He conducted his tests on ferrets as the animals have become a model of choice for influenza and have similar respiratory tracts to humans.

Fouchier is so prepared for a media storm that he has hired an advisor to help him work on a communication strategy.

The research done was part of an international drive to understand H5N1 more fully.
Fouchier admitted the strain is ‘one of the most dangerous viruses you can make’ but is still adamant he wants to publish a paper describing how it was done. The study is one of two which has caused serious debate about scientific freedom and about regulating research which might have potential public health benefits but at the same time could also be useful for bio-terrorism.

The other paper, also on H5N1, was done by a joint team at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Tokyo. It is understood to have had comparable results to the study done by Fouchier. Both papers are now being reviewed by the U.S National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB).

NSABB does not have the power to prevent the publication but it could ask journals not to publish.
Paul Keim, chairman of NSABB, said: ‘I can’t think of another pathogenic organism that is as scary as this one. I don’t think anthrax is scary at all compared to this.’ Traditionally scientific research has always been open so that fellow scientists can review the work of others and repeat their methods to try and learn from them.

But numerous scientists have said they believe research on the avian flu should be suppressed.
However bio-defense and flu expert Michael Osterholm, who is director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of innesota, said the work carried out was important medically.
He added he could not discuss the papers because he was a member of NSABB but said if they were published certain information could be withheld and made available to those who really need to know.
‘We don’t want to give bad guys a road map on how to make bad bugs really bad,’ he said.

Source: www.inthedays.com

In the Dark

Just now I had a little bicker with my sister. When I retreated to my room to play the piano, she got really annoyed that I was playing past 9 o’clock. So she stormed in, pushed me, headed out, turned off the lights and slammed the door shut. For a brief moment I was left in the dark. I was very annoyed, angry, and then for some reason, afraid. It’s that sudden sinking feeling in your heart that you get when someone plays a nasty trick on you, and leaves you in the dark alone.

It is a horrible feeling. It was a small incident, but when I reflected on it, I found a metaphorical parallel to what must be the experience of countless individuals and abandoned children out there who have had the door slammed shut in their faces; who have been left in the dark – alone, cold and fearful. It is a terrible situation to be in.

I have never been abandoned, so I’ll never know. All I can imagine is that it must be a gazillion times worse than what I felt when my sister pulled that surprise on me and left me momentarily stunned in the dark.

I feel terrible and sick to the stomach thinking about the millions of kids out there who have been orphaned, betrayed by their parents, and left in the darkness to fend for themselves, whether literally or figuratively. No one likes being left in the dark. And you don’t know what to do.

Jesus told his disciples, ‘You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand so that it gives light to everyone in the house.’ Matthew 5

The world lives in darkness because man has chosen to stay in the dark and turn away from God. But those who choose to embrace the light will see the truth and find hope at once! Then again, there are those who had the doors slammed shut on them. They had no choice. They never had the chance to see the light, nor hear the truth, or receive love and hope. How can that be?

Those of us who have embraced the light (if we truly have), should not have our lamps hidden under a bowl! We should shine like a city on a hill, like a lamp on its stand, so that everyone in darkness will see by this light. Do not be afraid to shine. There are many who hate the light because it exposes the things they do in the dark. But there are plenty more who need the light, and who do not yet know it until its brilliance is revealed!

The light should never be intimidated by the darkness. Because no matter how black the darkness is, the light will still glow, even if it is a flicker. It will ignite warmth and hope in the hearts of those who have been abandoned, disillusioned, and left to rot in the dark. Do not hide your light! The world needs it. The world who does not know that it is in the darkness until it sees the light.