Former Teacher Reunites With Student She Once Helped Through a Difficult Childhood

A Singaporean man has reunited with the primary school teacher who made a lasting difference in his life when he was growing up in difficult circumstances.

Dino Isaac, now 30, was placed in a children’s home when he was five. During his childhood, Teresa Lee became one of the adults who gave him stability and encouragement. She was his Primary 3 form teacher at Jin Tai Primary School.

Lee taught Dino for only about half a year as his form teacher, but she continued to be part of his school life for another two years. She encouraged his musical abilities, selected him for the school choir and supported him when he struggled financially.

When Dino had a high fever, Lee looked after him. When he did not have enough pocket money, she bought him food. After late choir activities, she would also help bring him back to the children’s home.

For Dino, those small acts of kindness remained important long after he left primary school. He later described Lee as a “guardian angel” who made him feel cared for when he needed it most.

As an adult, Dino decided that he wanted to work in social services. He said Lee’s kindness had influenced his decision to pursue a career helping people facing difficulties.

He eventually contacted the Singaporean programme On The Red Dot for help finding his former teacher. The programme’s “Finding” series reconnects people with teachers, friends and other individuals who had a significant impact on their lives.

The search led Dino to Lee’s current school, Princess Elizabeth Primary. When they finally met again, Dino told her how much her support had meant to him and how it had influenced the direction of his life.

The reunion also revealed something Dino had not known. As a child, he had wished that Lee could adopt him. During their reunion, Lee told him that she had once had similar thoughts, although she kept them to herself because she was not married at the time.

The story has attracted significant attention online. CNA reported that the episode had received more than two million views and more than 2,000 comments, with viewers sharing memories of teachers who had influenced their own lives.

For Dino, the reunion was more than a meeting after many years apart. It was an opportunity to thank the teacher whose support during his childhood continued to influence the person he became.

Sources:
CNA – ‘Guardian angel’ teacher made him feel seen as a child
CNA Insider – On The Red Dot: Finding – Teacher