Those very words rang out from Prof Ian McGovern during one of his GMS classes that I cherished and feared as a student in the Class of 2002.
While our paths never crossed again after graduation, he inspired me to leave the creature comforts of Singapore to work overseas for a period of time, where I learnt more than I ever learnt in the classroom.
Prof, Britain may not be great anymore perhaps because you're no longer around.
May you have a good rebirth and thanks for being a teacher in every sense.
Ian taught me 10 years ago - global business strategies: I graduated from class of 2008. I remember he was the only lecturer who created yahoo groups (it was the then the era when there was still yahoo) to keep us connected. There was no incentive not school initiative to do that- it was just for us to continue to keep in touch with one another. He continued to circulate emails with us after that. I recall emailing him to ask for some business advice a few years after my graduation, around 2011. To my surprise, not only did he answer my email almost immediately - he further suggested a meetup to share more personally. For him, there was absolutely not going to be any “ROI” from meeting me - I wasn’t his student anymore, I wasn’t going to be benefit him in anyway. But in the end, he met me for a good 2 hours - he made sure he shared 100% of what he knew on my questions - and even encouraged me and bought me coffee. I was never prominent in school, I was never the best student; never raised my hand in class - and most of the time never paid attention and I always had bad grades. Plus I was working in a then-startup company. With no prejudice, Ian went all out for me regardless. It definitely wasn’t something an ordinary person would have done. Leading by example, Ian had showed me the true meaning of giving. I am blessed to have crossed paths with Ian. Without Ian, the world is a different place.
