Being called Black

I had to teach my first class back in 2001in Singapore. Fresh, new and a complete virgin to teaching! My group of children were 3 year old's. It was just their 2nd week of school at the beginning of the year. Can you imagine( you can) crying, wet diapers, running nose, and did I mention? CRYING!!!!! I could hear them from the hallway, about 500m away.

I had to work with 12 children, and only me. That is some hard work.

Anyway , they all walk in, some in full blast tears and wet running nose but some, calm!

Now, in walks this boy, cute and looks like a little champ! He was not crying. In fact, he spoke really well and I could totally understand him, his language was well developed. He leans over me, puts his hand on my shoulder and aske me " why are you so black?" pointing to my skin too. For a moment, my whole body went limp. Luckily, I bounced back by saying " that because I am Indian, have you not met Indian people?" He says , NO!

Our session continued, and at the end of the class, he ran up to me, and said " I like Indian people" ( no punt intended) and hugged me! Bless him, he must be 30 now...