WHAT TEACHING MEANS TO ME

There was a time when career education classes in school were not there. I wonder as to the fact that I went to the teaching college as I was persuaded by my friends. Then it was the training life which felt shorter than the day itself.

Student sees myriads of manifestation in a teacher. I, for that matter cannot fathom ones excuses to escape from it. Now I am in my eighth year in this job and I sometimes wonder over my choice of profession. Then, it was indecisive and now I enjoy every bits of it as in the innocence of the kids that I see every day. Where can you find such cute hands and growing youngsters every day? Their ABC echoing in my ears for the first time made me frustrated to the hilt! Now it is with great pride I talk to them in other languages that I have taught them over the years. It is so gratifying to see how talented   kids can be.

The morality of a man is judged by the contribution he makes to the society – that’s what I feel!   I am so happy to be a part of this because I as a teacher could contribute in my own small way.

One instance, I was in a queue in a hospital trying to check with the doctor. It indeed was very hot in Gelephu. So I was frustrated with my kid on my back crying his heart out in the hot sunny day. A gentleman in his clean white dress called upon me, though I was still way back in the queue! To my surprise I couldn’t recognize this young gentleman. He was my student. I simply stood there numb.   It was one of the happiest moments of my life. Not because I was led from the queue in the hot weather but because there was someone who now makes a difference to the people around him. What could be more satisfying than this?

Being a teacher has taught me how it feels to be a model, a guide and a philosopher. My parents, now in their prime of life wonder at my behavior. I have changed for the good. Teaching these kids all my life, I was the learner. The multitude of children that I have taught over the year makes me humble and looking back at it makes me appreciate my accidental choice of being a teacher.

There are lots of years ahead on my life and I intend to be with these children as their beacon. I also aspire to be at their mark. These all years have been so fruitful and I know the future ahead is brighter for I will never cease to learn.  

TSHERING CHODA 

TINGTIBI LOWER SECONDARY SCHOOL

ZHEMGANG