If you can't beat them, join them?

Prior to teaching, i always thought i would be this liberated and enlightened 'cher who would not give my students grief over studying and grades

unfortunately, this "hip" assumption was soon dashed when i flatly refused zf's offer to go out with the crappies two days before their mid-yr exams.

zf: WTF
zf: why not?
me: becos i think u shd study

later....

me: what kind of crap teacher goes out with his students 2 days before their exams?
zf: but u're no longer our teacher liaoz. u said so urself in the class blog
me: true, but i used to b ur teacher
zf: USED to be

i guess what i wanted to say but couldn't express in time (because i was reeling in shock over the fact that the crappies can take their exams so lightly. haha) is:

1. i don't care what grades my students obtain for their exams. one may argue that since he would just be rotting the whole day and studying half-heartedly if he stays at home, surely time is better spent taking a breather and playing outside. i don't fault this logic but well, i hope that my students will give of their best when it comes to preparing for their exams.

2. while i may remove ex-students from the obligation of calling me Mr Heng (v weird leh), for better or for worse, i can't remove myself from the obligation of being their ex-teacher. and teachers are supposed to encourage students to study, yah

reconciling with my unglamourous naggy image.....haha