In Memory
I spent the most important years of my life in DBS (and that is definite). Of the 9
memorable years my year in Form 3 stood out as even more important. It marks the
beginning of an end. At that stage we knew we have to make a decision about our
study and possible a career. Yet I still had to struggle with the idea of whether to
take up arts or science. I like writing because I found it easier to express myself than
making a speech. At the same time I had given up on my mathematics after finding
there were nasty entities like algebra. Fortunately we were introduced to another
new subject: physics. Mr. Lowcock was our form teacher and taught us the subject.
It was his lessons that changed my mind or rather made up my mind. As one of my
classmates described those lessons: you don’t need a text book, you don’t need to
remember too much and more important any talent; you need a little imagination
or maybe some logical thinking. I found myself doing quite well in my physics
culminating to gaining a distinction in the public exam. Not that it meant anything: I
got a distinction in geography as well but I failed my mock exam.
The success in the School Certificate Exam did not tempt me to pursuit further
study in physics. I ended up in the medical school; admittedly a dull and tamed
decision. But the studies of physics have broadened my vision and strengthen my
confidence in dealing with difficulties. I remember an incident where I got full mark
for a question with the wrong answer. The reason was the steps I took to solve the
problem were even better than the formulated (according to JL) although I gave the
wrong mathematical answer. My conclusion was the book is not always right but the
mind is always better.
Mr. Lowcock’s influences did not end in the classroom. As I was promoted to senior
forms I had more chances of meeting him for extra-curricular activities or social
meetings. In actual fact those activities were beyond the ones we see in the Steps.
It involved all aspects of life and it exerted such molding force to my character and
outlook that I did not realize until much later.
In the past twenty years I cherish the chance of meeting him at least once a year. He
was no longer my headmaster or teacher. I called him Jimmy now. We conversed in
much more common things in our daily lives. We shared our views and talked about
old days. Then I realized why I enjoyed so much those meetings: I was talking like
him and thinking like him. I am transformed.
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