“Excuse me, ma’am, may I come in?” The moment we hear this, a visual runs in our mind of a well-dressed person, with a pleasant face and a cheerful smile, uttering words and sounds that enter young minds. I believe teachers are the most privileged individuals who have the opportunity to change someone’s life. There is no boundary that can prevent a student from approaching a teacher. A student’s success or failure defines the student-teacher relationship. Unless the student accepts the teacher, the chances of the teacher’s efforts, knowledge, and skills being transferred to the students are quite limited.
I do remember standing in front of the class, eagerly waiting for the students to listen to me. I looked at the students and the classroom, feeling like it was my kingdom, where I would help people grow with knowledge and life skills. After that moment, every day became a milestone to reach. Over the past eleven years, I have been in this profession, or I would rather say, in this service. Every year begins from scratch.
The schooling system resembles a ladder with four steps. The first step is the kindergarten teachers, and I hold them in high regard because they can sometimes accomplish what even a mother may struggle with. My journey as a teacher began at this level. The second step involves teaching primary school students. Students from class 1 to class 5 are like a mine. To unearth their hidden potential, one must dig carefully, similar to finding hidden gold. If a child’s potential is correctly identified during the primary stage, a teacher can shape the student into a valuable asset for the future.
The third step is that of the middle school teacher; the teacher has to be fast and focused. Middle schoolers, without a doubt, are full of excitement, curiosity, and boundless energy. Teaching this group has always been a wonderful challenge. Teachers of classes 6 to 8 are immensely talented and skilled, as you can see them consistently showcasing their various proficiencies through their students. The fourth step of the ladder is the most important one, with students from classes 9 to 12. After this stage, the whole world awaits to embrace our young learners as eligible candidates who will go on to serve society, just like the teachers who initiated their journey.
Teaching is an incredible service in everyone’s life. Those who haven’t experienced school have missed out on a world filled with fantasy, imagination, and creativity. While the world may innovate and create various methods to impart information, it’s important to acknowledge that without a teacher, nothing can truly reach the students.
