A Malaysian teacher is deeply moved after a student living in a welfare home gifted her donated snacks for Teacher’s Day, calling it the most painful yet unforgettable present.
TEACHERS often receive flowers, chocolates or small presents from students during Teacher’s Day celebrations.
But for one Malaysian teacher, a simple gift from a struggling student became something she described as both unforgettable and heartbreaking.
ALSO READ: ‘Children are not retirement plans’: Netizens rally against parenting without financial readiness
In a post shared on Threads, user @notnughul revealed that one of her students had given her a Teacher’s Day gift despite facing severe hardships at home.
“This is the most painful gift I have ever accepted. One that I will always remember. One that constantly humbles me.
“This is my student. Both her parents are in rehabilitation. She is staying at a welfare home. Do you know what she gave me?
“What she had. Food that I believe she received from Hari Raya donations. Snacks that were perhaps donated or given to her. It pains me so much that I can barely bring myself to look at it.
“No expensive gift could ever top this,” the post read.
The gift also included a handwritten note addressed to the teacher.
In the note, the student apologised for sometimes failing to complete her homework or submitting it late.
She also asked her teacher not to reprimand her, promising she would try harder to focus during lessons.
The student went on to wish her teacher good health, a long life and ease in all her affairs. She also apologised for giving the gift late and expressed hope that her teacher would like it.
In a follow-up comment, the teacher shared that many people had reached out asking how they could help the student.
“Some people have been messaging me asking what they can buy for the student. She has a younger sibling in Form One, and she takes care of the sibling.
“They only have each other. Their studies are falling behind. She told me she cannot focus because she keeps thinking about her parents and how to care for her sibling.
“That’s all. So if you still want to buy something, get them storybooks, notebooks, pencils, pens, cute school bags, Post-it notes, highlighters, water bottles, powder, or anything teenagers use and like. Please do not give me money. Thank you,” the teacher wrote.
The touching story has since resonated with many Malaysians online, with many saying the student’s sincerity and thoughtfulness made the modest gift far more meaningful than any expensive present.
“As adults, we know that children treasure cookies and snacks very much. But she chose to give them to her favourite teacher instead,” one user, @bynatashazulkifli, commented.
“Wow teacher… It’s not only you who feels the pain. Even reading this from here, I can feel it too. May Allah provide enough for your student and for you as well,” another user, @haziqloco, shared.
