Irene Thamrin – Visual Arts Teacher

For almost seven years, I have been teaching within an international curriculum, guiding students from early years to elementary and high school levels. Each stage has offered a unique perspective on how children learn, create, and express themselves.

Art, for me, holds a special place in education. As one quote beautifully puts it, “Art helps children become like themselves instead of more like everyone else.” Through art, students discover their individuality, their way of seeing, feeling, and interpreting the world.

In my classroom, I strive to create an engaging environment where learning connects to real-life experiences. I encourage curiosity, provide hands-on projects, and nurture a growth mindset. My goal is to help students see learning and practice not as a task, but as a joyful and continuous journey of self-discovery.

While I may not count big personal achievements, I take pride in my students’ accomplishments. Many of them have earned awards in various art competitions, but what brings me the greatest joy is seeing their growth, how their confidence, creativity, and character evolve through the process. Watching them find their voice through art is, to me, the most meaningful achievement of all.