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In the early morning of Toronto’s early autumn, a chill hung in the air. Arriving at the school just before eight, Chin-Fen Tseng had thought her family would be the first to arrive. Yet, Wen-Yi Tan was already there ahead of them. The sight of his familiar figure instantly put her at ease.
With a sense of apprehension, Chin-Fen Tseng once again stepped through the school gates that had been a part of her life for over a decade. In the past, she entered as a teacher—relaxed, at ease, her mind focused solely on teaching her lessons well and caring for her students. But today was different. Chin-Fen Tseng was walking into the school as its principal, a heavy weight of responsibility on her shoulders and a profound shift in her mindset.
The Support and Love of Volunteers
Gratitude, respect, and love are the most beautiful interactions between people. Before long, volunteers began to arrive, skillfully setting about tasks they had completed countless times before. As the new principal, Chin-Fen Tseng found herself in a managerial role. Yet, the volunteers would still pause to ask her, “Principal, is this arrangement okay?” This thoughtful gesture was not a mere formality but a reflection of the unique warmth and care of Tzu Chi volunteers. Their subtle attention to her feelings made Principal Tseng feel a deep sense of support.
Several senior volunteers made a special trip to offer their blessings to the school. Although they might not be able to come every week, they promised to return and help whenever needed. These words became her strongest source of support. The distribution of uniforms and textbooks was carried out in an orderly fashion amid the volunteers’ smiles, and the worries in Chin-Fen’s heart gradually faded.
From the moment she accepted the principalship, Chin-Fen had been filled with anxiety, fearing she wouldn’t do a good job. However, the volunteers repeatedly reassured her, “Don’t worry, everything will go smoothly and be perfect.” Watching everyone joyfully dedicate themselves to their work, she made a silent promise: she must not let down this trust and responsibility.
A Change in Role and New Challenges
Success comes from preparation; failure from lack thereof. Being a teacher and being a principal are entirely different. In the past, Chin-Fen only needed to focus on her curriculum and her students, which gave her peace of mind. Now, as principal, she must interact with more people and handle a wider range of matters, requiring planning, organization, and coordination. She has to learn to find balance among differing opinions. This is a brand new spiritual practice and a trial for her character.
Hardship is a crucible that refines life and a starting point for compassion. On the first day of school, she was not only surrounded by volunteers but also by parents who shared their stories and concerns.
One parent told Chin-Fen that her grandmother was one of the fifteen people missing after Typhoon Krosa in Hualien. She described those three days as endless agony for her entire family. In the face of such pain, words seemed inadequate. Chin-Fen could only offer a hug and tell her, “All of us at Tzu Chi are here to support you. Whenever you need help, we will do our best to assist.”
She held Chin-Fen tightly, silently shedding tears. In that moment, Chin-Fen more deeply understood the impermanence of life, reminding herself to cherish every moment.
Inspiring Goodness and Leading Children in Prayer
Sowing a seed of kindness can one day grow into a forest. In response to the disaster in Hualien, Chin-Fen invited all students to the school’s main hall to pray for the victims. The children might be too young to fully grasp the profound meaning, but she believes that those few minutes of prayer have already planted a seed of goodness in their hearts. “May they learn to recognize, cherish, and create blessings. May they learn to be givers who help others, and in doing so, become benefactors in the lives of others.”
The purpose of education is not to make children become someone else, but to help them become the best version of themselves. The first day as principal was filled with mixed emotions—nervousness and deep gratitude. The immense responsibility reminded Chin-Fen to apply the wisdom of Jing Si Aphorisms in her educational approach. She hopes that through every learning opportunity and every interaction, she can integrate humanistic values into daily life, benefiting both the children and their families.
Education is not a short-term task but a long journey of cultivation. Chin-Fen is willing to continuously learn and adapt on this path, growing alongside the children as well as on her own.