By Michael Veith

Long-time Pre-Kindergarten teacher Diane Robulack has witnessed her fair share of good-byes over the years, but this past June, it was her turn After nearly a decade of teaching at the school, Diane bid a fond farewell to TIS and returned to Vancouver, Canada. I chatted with Diane recently about her time at TIS.

Q: When you came to TIS back in 2003, what was your impression of it?

A: It was friendly. It was small and good. There were only about 9 teachers the first year and not many more the following 2 years. We became more of a family and I am still very close to that group. Those first years us teachers were all inventive since we had no established curriculum, but everyone worked to try to teach in a manner that suited Macao and children with English not as a first language. It was a happy and a relaxed time at the old school.

Q: TIS and Macau have changed dramatically during your time here. What is your perspective on that change?

A: Since TIS moved into the big building, it has become more structured. Since the population of students and teachers has increased so much this is necessary but not so much fun. It used to be a feeling of being on holiday but working. Now it is working with several holidays thrown in. I was so lucky to be at the school at the start. One could start traditions without realizing one did. It is interesting to hear teachers talk about things, sometimes complaining, and realize that I was the one who started it. I think it was such a great experience that not many people are fortunate enough to have. Macao was so much rougher, but quieter also. It has grown into a big city with so much traffic.

Q: What is your most memorable moment here at TIS?

A: One of my best memories will be of a student of mine in SK. He was a special boy and often hid in a corner. He would not go with the others to sing in front of an audience. At the farewell assembly he went on stage and did his part with his class with no show of hesitation. He had come such a long way and I was so happy for him.

Q: What will you miss most about TIS? About Macau?

A: I will miss the children at TIS. I might get up some days thinking, oh no I have to go to work. But when the children come in the room, everything lightens up. I have been so lucky to teach Kindergarten. There is never a day without a good laugh. I will also miss my teaching colleagues who have been so good to me and good for me. They are always willing to help out. I will miss the Macao buses and looking at and listening to the people. I will miss not being able to understand what is being said, sounds crazy but true. I will miss getting lost in the old parts of Macao, taking photos and finding myself again.

Q: What will you take away from your time teaching at TIS? How has it impacted you?

I feel as though my time at TIS has allowed me to grow so much. I think that TIS has taught me that I can do anything that I set my mind to. I learned that I am a capable teacher and I love to travel. I have begun to feel more at home in Macao than in Vancouver. Moving to Macao was one of the best things I have done in my life. I will never regret a moment of my time here. It was a great adventure. It is hard to leave, but I am going back to start a new chapter in my life.