Kudos to All Teachers Who Build the Future – One Child at a Time
It is Teacher’s Day and it is on this occasion that Malala Yousafzai’s famous quote comes to my mind. “One Child, One Teacher, One Book, One Pen can Change the World”.
And those were the days when we children didn’t live in the world of cell phones and the only entertainment that was available were imaginary games that we made up. I fondly remember the days when we played “House, House”- Where we would pretend to be a family and have a mock cooking session with imaginary crockery and food items. The other game that we all loved was called the “Teacher Teacher game” where one child would pretend to be the teacher with a stick in hand, stand in front of a board and teach the other children in a stern and strict voice. There would be a chorus of Goood Morniiinggg Teacheeerrrr and the imaginary classes would take off.
As times have changed, the roles of teachers have also transgressed beyond the stereotypical roles expected of them.
It was a recent post I saw on Instagram that made me reflect on the importance of teachers. The ad was a chance to nominate and vote for a teacher who made a difference in your life and post it on the app based on the Super 30 movie that dealt with the story of a teacher who inspired downtrodden children to make it big. It got me thinking. Who would I nominate? There were too many for me, there were too many to select from. Because every teacher had made an impact on me in some way or the other. Be it in a good way or a tough way. It ranged from teachers who were more like mothers, some who were my counselors, some who I admired for their knowledge and tenacity, some others I feared because of the expectations they had of me. But however they were they had molded me to become a better version of myself.
I had always dreamt about being a Teacher and I did become one. Many times in my 15 years of teaching experience I have come across individuals who have asked me this question. What do you get from being a teacher?
And this is what I would have to say. We, teachers, are not “just” teachers but end up being Philosophers, Guides, Friends, Parents and Mentors to our students. Teaching is just one tiny aspect of this field where no day is ever the same. We make youngsters think and ponder and question about anything and everything. We may not fill them with knowledge and wisdom but we make them think and reflect and that I is what makes a teacher an ‘Engineer’ for young minds.
Every new day is a challenge. Every new day is a new beginning. It is not easy trying to fit into the role of someone who is being observed and looked upto. Of course, times have changed and the teacher is someone who has evolved from being a Guru to being a friend. We, teachers, get to spend every day talking about something we love and hopefully pass on that passion to others. We, teachers, get to participate in professional development sessions and take classes. We continue to learn new things and improve our teaching ability.
As teachers, we get the opportunity to learn and teach at the same time. Spending time with youngsters all day keeps us, teachers, young and ensures that our vocabulary, attitude and knowledge in technology and music remains current and relevant.
While sometimes there are times of frustration most times the moments spent are rewarding. You can let a person from a broken home know that they are loved and wanted. You can help a student dealing with stressful times realise that life isn’t too bad. Most times a loner all his\ her life becomes that most loved and sociable person because of the confidence instilled in him/her by a teacher. Sometimes a pat on the back, words of appreciation, a warm smile is all it takes to reach out to someone.
The respect and unconditional affection that you earn from students is something that can never be gained elsewhere. The ultimate happiness that we get when a student we have taught is a “Somebody” in the real world is immeasurable.
I know of teachers who have made a major difference in the lives of young people even without realising it. Many times our advice is taken to heart and this advice is passed on to future generations. I know of teachers who become role models and people look up to them for advice and guidance and that I is a very pleasant feeling.
Students teach us as much as we teach them. Every teacher I am confident has had a moment in their lives when an innocent comment or remark or observation from a student has seriously made them change their perspective on some issue or the other.
There is constant laughter and witty conversations and this makes learning and life all the more enjoyable and fun-loving and that goes for the teacher too. You build positive relationships with students, colleagues, parents and the wider community.
Getting to see students ‘achieve something’ or ‘make it’ in today’s fast-paced changing world after they leave the premises of our safe Institution is a sensational feeling and knowing that somewhere as a teacher we have played a small part in someone achieving or even surpassing their dreams is the ultimate in job satisfaction.
The sheer energy, enthusiasm of a classroom – Questions, jokes, laughter, the thrill of learning is what every Teacher loves best. And the best part about being a Teacher is that NO DAY IS EVER THE SAME EVER. Kudos to every teacher around the World who has made a difference in someone’s life somewhere.
So Hip Hip Hurray to all dedicated teachers who are trying their best to make this world a better place to live in.
Happy Teacher’s Day!!!
Rachitha Poornima Cabral
Assistant Professor
Department of English
School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya
Mangalore
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