It was the last day of the GRIT (Growing Resilience in Teens) camp. To consolidate everything they had learnt so far, the instructors came up with an activity: to tie a paracord.

Actually, before the activity, I already knew that I would struggle with this task. I’m not a hands-on person. That’s why I teach English instead of say, Design and Technology.

The instructors started off by saying that we had to make a figure 4 for both sides of the cord. Then, one end of the cord must go under the other end and into the hole made available by the figure 4.

Sounds confusing. You betcha. My students and I had so many doubts swirling in our minds that for a while, no one did anything. Then, some of us started to tackle this unfamiliar task. The instructors came over to help and provide us with personalised attention.

The air of doubt slowly but surely dissipated. One by one, my students got the hang of it. Some of them were furiously trying the knots, eager to finish their paracord.

Except for me (and my other form teacher). Maybe it’s true. Adults’ brains are not so malleable compared to those of teens. I don’t know if I’m making an excuse, but anyway, I really STRUGGLED.

I flitted away from one student to another, calling for their attention, getting them to impart me their know-how. But of course, since they just learnt the method themselves, they were not that adept at teaching me yet. So I felt like I was in quicksand, sinking further and further into the abyss of ignorance. My students had reached enlightenment, leaving me behind.

Thankfully, the atmosphere was warm and positive. A class of normally rowdy teenagers hard at work and FOCUSED, intent on either helping their classmate or finishing their own paracord.

Eventually, the class monitor placed the paracord down on the table and moved it, one step at a time. Because of the manner he did it so clearly, I saw the light! I got it!

It was amazing how fast my hands moved when I learnt the method. I could even finish it while giving my students a debrief.

One thing that warmed my heart was when a student said, “Soooo easy”. He is a high-needs student who needs affirmation from me every step of the way. For him to declare his confidence so casually, it means that the resilience activity must have made him feel good. Isn’t that the point of education - to enhance students’ confidence?