I woke up this morning to beautiful, heartening and I must say, inspiring wishes on teacher's day from the ones who lovingly address me as their teacher.I must admit I felt great to read all the messages...felt great that these kind and loving souls still remember me , i.e., even after I've switched from teaching to a new role in the industry.I must say , I am deeply touched...so much that I felt a need to introspect on my learnings as a teacher.Also remember, recently a student had asked me to share my thoughts and views on how a teacher perceives students...he said , "Ma'am, we would like to know what goes in the mind of that one person who is on the other side of the table , interacting with so many of us.We would like to know how teachers perceive their students..."
And I think there can be no better day than today that I should let my students know that as a teacher I have drawn a lot of inspiration from them and I continue to do so.
Someone has rightly said, "In learning ,you will teach and in teaching,you will learn."
I firmly believe in this saying.
So here goes my list of learnings as a teacher :-
- I have learn't that teaching is a beautiful learning process...It is a process that makes you disciplined, humble and a lifelong learner.It teaches you to be punctual...teaches you the importance of preparation...you just cannot go unprepared for a lecture...hence it teaches you to bring order and discipline in your life...it teaches you to honor time as you get a limited time frame to complete the course...it teaches you to listen patiently to others...it teaches you to understand different types of personalities...it teaches you how to simplify things...because that's what is expected from a teacher- to make learning simple.It teaches you to define boundaries- this is one of the most important learning I've had as a teacher.I have learned that sky is the limit when it comes to learning about something...but flying aimlessly will lead us nowhere...hence it's very important to draw up a detailed plan for achieving lofty learning goals , one step at a time.I have learned that if we have the ability to read, write and comprehend , then there's nothing under the sun that we cannot assimilate and pass on.All we require is a will to get started.In short I have learned ,"In teaching , you will learn."
- There's a lot I have learn't from the students as well.The most important thing is to never stop dreaming.I love the dreamy state of minds of the students...because it is ultimately dreams that get manifested in the form of reality.As adults , most of us get so used to the monotony of life that we almost become like robots...but when you're with students you're always connected to the zeal of life...their enthusiasm and energy is contagious and full of positive vibes...They are full of hopes and dreams of a beautiful future, which I am sure they'll create for themselves.I've always admired their desire to learn.Their curiosity and questions have helped me learn and understand the subject better. I admire the way most of them balance their studies and hobbies, something which is very important in life.I feel it is very important to have a hobby.I have seen scholars doing excellent painting , participating in theatre, dance, music , travel, photography ,debates and writing clubs.I feel this is something we must learn from students-to always remember there is more to life than your full time job.There are so many things to learn and I think students inspire us to explore new things, places and horizons in life.I must say, I have drawn a lot of inspiration from students in my pursuit of living life to the fullest.In short, I have learned, "In learning, you will teach.
To sum it up, I think anything that influences us, be it ideas, experiences or people teaches us something.And Life is the best teacher.I hope and pray that we all continue to inspire and be inspired in the journey of life.
Happy Teacher's Day, Everyone!
