Learning is one thing, teaching another

Today, Alex needed help to guide 40 18-year old students in the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity and Research (RMBR) so he asked me, which I felt I wasn't qualified to do so, but decided to challenge myself.

And I realized, I don't have what I have learnt at the tip of my fingers and they've grown rusty from disused. I realized it was one matter to sit through a series of lectures and examination, and another to apply what I've learnt to a practical setting, such as arousing interest in students and guiding them around a museum, trying to help them appreciate the wonders of biodiversity.

The students were very attentive which I am grateful for, as that meant less worry for me in terms of control of people. Alex later told me they're from the top Chinese school in the South of Malaysia!

Some take home questions...
Can what I learn in theory be applied to the practical? When the situation calls for my knowledge, am I able to retrieve them in sufficient amounts to present them coherently? And do I have enough understanding to explain them precisely? Do I have enough confidence and preparation to promote enthusiastically and interestingly?

As I delve into myself to find words to explain a certain exhibit, I realized, how shallow it is, how I reach and find remnants and leftovers, and not much substantial.

Hmmm... my usage of the Chinese language is another matter, which I should address for my own good.

But being a museum guide might be the training I need.

Especially so, if I still want to work in a museum, whatever type, after graduation.

Oops! I just remembered being a tour guide is one of my dream occupations.