Inspiring Teachers Awards: I had problems fitting in but Mr Francis found the leader in me

Starting secondary school was hard for Joel, who was involved in bullying and struggled with some subjects.

However, his Spectra Secondary School teacher Mr Kevin Francis understood him and encouraged the leader in Joel to come out and shine.

Here is Joel's entry for the Samsung-Stomp Inspiring Teachers Awards:

"When I first stepped into Spectra Secondary School, I felt lost and did not know how to start a new life there.

"Everything was new and I was timid to make new friends.

"I was facing some problems like friendship and not having enough motivation to study and do well in my weak subjects.

"After a few months in Spectra, I found an awesome teacher named Mr Kevin Francis.

"He is a teacher who really cares deeply and helps people in need.

"I was really happy that he was the year head for our cohort.

"I was once facing a friendship problem in Secondary 1 when my classmate scratched my hand till it bled. I wanted to fight back and could not control my feelings.

"Before letting out my anger, my teacher came and talked to me and tried to understand the situation.

"He eventually helped me settle the problem despite his busy schedule.

"After that incident, my teacher saw potential in me in having great leadership skills and he recruited me into the student leadership committee.

Mr Kevin Francis and his students. (Photo credit: Mr Sivaganesh, Spectra Secondary School)

"I was so happy as my dream in a school was to be a leader and to lead and plan events for the school.

"I had hard times coping being a student leader and my studies.

"I was once felt that I had to give up this role but my teacher came and supported me and told me that this special role will help me in the future.

"I was touched and understood what he meant.

"He even motivated me to be in charge of the school's open house event.

"Without all his motivation I would have given up earlier. Without his love, encouragement and his positivity, I would not be what I am today. 

"He never fails to make a miracle and to brighten up my day.

"He taught me the school values to reflect on what I did wrong. I have been giving him a tough time as I get involved in some wrong things like bullying and making him scold me every time.

"Despite scolding me, he also tells me what I did wrong and how I can improve so that I will not make the same mistakes again.

"He has held my hand with every step I take and treated me like how he treats his family too.

"He has helped me grow to be a more confident boy as I was so shy to express my feeling to my friends and teachers.

"I am so grateful to my hero of Spectra Secondary School, Mr Kevin Francis."

The contest is now closed and winners will be contacted shortly.

Read all entries for the contest here.