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Have you ever found yourself in a job you didn’t plan for, only to realise it’s just right for you?
Teaching isn’t just a job; it’s a calling that needs patience and dedication. You’ve got to be sharp as a pencil and ready to help your students shine.
For many, teaching is a clear choice because they love it. But for Elden Chan, ending up in the classroom was a surprise. Still, it turned out to be the best part of his life.
At 37 years old, Elden never imagined that he would become a teacher, let alone find his life’s purpose in a classroom filled with seven-year-olds.
He graduated from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris and explored various paths before discovering his passion for teaching.
Teaching turned out to be his calling, even if it was unexpected
Elden’s journey to teaching was not a straight line. As a young man from Sarawak, he was unsure of what path to take. He explored various careers, each one offering a glimpse of what his future might hold.
Yet, none of them resonated with him the way he had hoped. It was as if he was waiting for a sign, a nudge from fate that would lead him to where he was truly meant to be.
That sign came when he found himself in front of a classroom for the first time. The job had come to him somewhat unexpectedly, but as he began to teach, something clicked.
“I think it’s God’s will,” he told WeirdKaya.
“Teaching wasn’t something I was particularly interested in, but as I explored different career paths, I realised how fulfilling it could be to help shape the future by educating young minds.”
Teaching, it turned out, was his calling, even if he hadn’t seen it coming.
A teacher who is also a Taekwondo coach
Speaking to WeirdKaya, Elden’s ability to teach didn’t come from formal training alone. His roots ran deep into a family steeped in discipline and teaching—though of a different kind.
His father was a Taekwondo coach, and from a young age, Elden was immersed in the world of martial arts. He practiced diligently, learning the values of discipline, respect, and perseverance.
It wasn’t long before Elden began teaching Taekwondo himself. Guiding younger students through the forms and techniques, he unknowingly honed the skills that would later define his career as a schoolteacher.
“My family’s deep involvement in Taekwondo, especially with my father being a coach, inspired me to start teaching it at a young age,” he says.
“This early exposure to teaching and the discipline involved inspired me to choose teaching as a career.”
Elden has been teaching at SJKC for 11 years, and he loves seeing his students make progress and achieve their goals. “Watching them grow while still being their innocent selves makes the job feel less stressful,” he says.
‘Some days, it felt like an uphill battle’
Teaching first graders, Elden soon realised, was a challenge like no other. These young students are bundles of energy, their attention spans fleeting and their curiosity boundless.
Some days, it feels like an uphill battle, trying to keep them focused for more than a minute or two. But Elden didn’t back down. He embraces the chaos, finding ways to channel their energy into learning.
“There are times when, after teaching their class, I feel so exhausted that I don’t want to speak anymore,” Elden admits with a chuckle.
“But seeing the students make progress in their studies, achieve their goals, and grow as individuals makes it all worth it.”
There are moments of exhaustion—times when, after a long day of teaching, Elden would sit in silence, too tired to even speak.
Yet, for every difficult moment, there is a reward: the laughter of a student, the light in their eyes when they grasped a new concept, the joy of watching them grow. These were the moments that kept Elden going, that reminds him why he chose this path.
No place for harsh discipline or unkind words
Elden understands that being a teacher meant more than just imparting knowledge. He knows that his students look up to him, that his actions and words would leave a lasting impression on their young minds.
This is a responsibility he took seriously. In his classroom, there is no place for harsh discipline or unkind words. Instead, Elden practices empathy, always trying to understand the reasons behind his students’ behaviour.
“I try to understand the reasons behind their behaviour,” Elden explains.
“I make an effort to show care, communicate with them, and talk about what’s on their minds. However, I generally don’t encounter behaviour issues in my classroom.”
When conflicts arises, Elden doesn’t punish; he listens.
He would speak to his students, delving into what is troubling them, and address issues with care. It is this approach that creates a harmonious environment in his classroom, where behavioural issues are rare, and mutual respect is the norm.
But it isn’t all seriousness in Elden’s classroom. He knows the value of laughter, of making learning fun. He would tease his students playfully, sharing in their jokes and creating an atmosphere where learning doesn’t feel like a chore.
“Sometimes, it’s through their essays or actions that they make me laugh heartily,” Elden says with a smile.
“I also enjoy playfully teasing them, which makes me feel quite silly at times.”
Translation: “I’ve been moved to a new class, from 5H to 5C. The teacher in 5C is kind, just like the previous teacher Ms. Zhou, and the environment feels familiar too. However, I’m still adjusting.
In 6th grade, I’ve made many new friends. My performance has improved somewhat. Graduation is just a few months away, and I’ll no longer be able to attend school. It’s time to say goodbye to this place I’ve grown so accustomed to.”
Translation: “Mr. Tian is the hero in my heart. Even though he doesn’t speak much, he’s very cool. Whenever he steps up, he always gives his all. I hope Mr. Tian will always be with us.
Mr. Tian is already 28 years old this year, and I really hope he’ll continue to stay with us.”
There were countless moments of joy—like the time a student called him ‘abang’ (big brother) instead of teacher, or when they balanced pencils on their noses, giggling at their antics.
These memories were treasures, moments that Elden would carry with him long after the school day ended.
A turning point: ‘That was when I decided to give up’
In 2018, Elden faced one of the toughest moments of his career. A new principal had joined the school, a woman who valued academics above all else.
Elden, who was passionate about sports, particularly track and field, felt the strain as the principal pushed for more academic focus, sidelining the achievements of the students in sports.
The final straw came when, after a significant victory for his track and field team, the principal’s first words were not of congratulations, but a pointed question about exam scores.
“When my track and field students won first place and went on stage to receive their awards, her first words weren’t to congratulate them. Instead, she asked, ‘How are your exam scores?’” Elden recalls, his voice tinged with frustration.
Disheartened, Elden made the difficult decision to step away from coaching—a choice that marked a significant shift in his career. “That was when I decided to give up coaching track and field,” he says.
Despite his dedication to teaching, Elden has dreams that reach beyond the school walls. He envisions starting a restaurant or a business, something that would allow him to make a broader impact.
“I would love to start a restaurant or a business, make a lot of money, and then help more people who are in need,” Elden shares. “I believe that one day I can achieve this!”
Losing his mother led him to Buddhism and self-growth
Elden’s journey hasn’t just been about teaching; it’s been a path of self-discovery.
The loss of his mother was a profound experience that led him to explore Buddhism and focus on self-cultivation.
“After my mother passed away, it changed me a lot,” he reflects.
“I began studying Buddhism and focusing on self-cultivation. Honestly, I miss her very much. I used to be quite immature, and I truly regret how I treated her.”
There’s a side of Elden that only a few people know about—a sensitivity that goes beyond the classroom. “One thing that most people might not know about me is that I have a sensitive constitution and can communicate with spirits,” he reveals.
At the end of the interview, we asked what advice he would offer to aspiring teachers.
“Teaching is rewarding but challenging. Enter the profession with a passion for helping others and a commitment to learning.
Be patient, flexible, and care deeply about your students’ growth, both academically and personally. And remember, taking care of yourself and having a support network is key,” he concludes.
