Interpreting ambiguity

“Don’t you think he actually criticized us just now?”
“I feel the same way.”
“He definitely looked down on us.”

It was on the second day of my School Based Experience (SBE). We decided to interview some teachers regarding issues with the students. We went to the office unprepared – no survey forms, no fixed questions- yet we were determined to carry out the interview (or so we thought). Soon a middle-aged teacher came into the office and I looked at my friends – we agreed to make him our first victim. My friend Shiela greeted the teacher and expressed our intention to interview him. He seemed nervous and a bit reluctant but he knows he can never reject our request. In the middle of the interview, he said, “Ladies, next time when you do interviews, you need to prepare survey forms or notebook for you to write or jot down points. Using mobile phone is unprofessional. Well that’s my two cents for you all.”

I nod and agreed with the teacher that using mobile phones to note important things is unprofessional. After we finished our interview, my friends started fussing over what he said, saying that he looked down on us. I disagreed and said, “I don’t think so. I guess he is just giving us advice.”

“No. He dislikes us for shooting him with critical questions early in the morning.” said Karin. They continued to fuss about it and I stayed silent because I knew that debating it will not settle things down. But somehow I was a little bothered.

We then interviewed the disciplinary teacher and along the discussion she said, “As a teacher we need to work fast, organized and professionally.” I agreed and noted down her words. She really is a hard-working woman and I admired her professionalism.

That evening when we got home, Shiela suddenly said, “Guys. I think teachers at that school are not really fond of us.” Dianne then replied, “Yeah. Remember that disciplinary teacher? I believe she actually criticizes on how we are being unprofessional.”

“Oh God. This school really depresses us.” stated Karin. I was confused and said, “But if she really hates us, why would she smile and welcomed us so warmly? I don’t think they have such intention.” My friends looked at me and sigh, “Yaya. That’s just her being professional. In order to survive in this world. You have to think critically. Or you’ll be fooled.”

That night I was deep in thought, reflecting. “Are the teachers really as bad as they said? I believe they don’t mean it that way. Don’t they just mean as what they said? Or am I really too dumb to see this so called double-meaning messages? Or it is just my friends overthinking things?” I thought.

The next day, we came to school with sour mood – knowing that our presence weren’t welcomed there. We lepaked for a while at the café for breakfast. Suddenly we were greeted by the disciplinary teacher. She talked and shared a lot about the school with us. She even paid for our drinks. Later that day, the middle-aged teacher that we first interviewed also helped us to an extent of going through the troubles of unlocking many rooms so that we can get information we needed. I looked at my friends and there were uneasy expressions on their face.

Soon we were called to gather in the principal’s office. The principal, disciplinary teacher and other administration teachers joined the meeting. The situation was really tense as we thought that we were about to get scolded. To our surprise, they thanked us for our cooperation and gave us positive feedback. We even received souvenirs and praises from them. We never thought they actually favoured us this much. It left us speechless – especially to my friends. I know from their expressions, they had reflected and resented on their negative impressions towards the teachers. “Well I guess it was just us, overthinking things and assuming negatively”, I said to them and smiled.

This Yakult was given by the sweet Administrative and Curriculum teacher on our last day.