They say that the best way to understand a person is to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Rightly so, as this could probably be the closest way of learning, empathising and constructively critiquing what another person does. It is also an effective way to share great ideas. In this week’s column, we feature the writing of a class 12 commerce student who puts herself in the shoes of a teacher and tells us exactly what kind of teacher she would like to be. Through the mind of a 19 year-old, we are shown the immense reverence students have for their teachers and the huge expectations they have from us, touching enough to make every one of us teachers – whether we are a father, mother, brother, sister, boss or friend – want to live up to being the ideal teacher.
Winning Essay of the Higher Secondary Level Essay Writing Competition organized by Tetso College during Autumn Fest 2013
If I were a Teacher
– Koinu S. Khiamniungan, Class 12 Commerce
Teachers play a very significant role in our lives. Their role has a great impact upon a student. They are the light of the world. Had there been no teachers; there would be no students. Teachers are our mentors, protectors and knowledge providers. We would be helpless like fish on sand, but if it were not for our teachers who pick us up and put us into the mighty ocean in order to wade bravely with our talents and abilities.
Well, everybody aspires to become someone great in future. Aspiration ranges from person to person. If I were a teacher I have big dreams to fulfil.
Teaching may not be only in the class, but in public places too. If I were a teacher, I would give my best. Indeed, I would help the students in achieving their goals and aspirations. A student’s future depends on how one prepares for it today and one way is by learning lessons from the past. As a teacher I would help the students make use of their present. I would draw out the potentiality of every individual and nurture them effectively.
Man is a social being and cannot live in isolation. But there are times when people feel rejected or isolated due to the absence of knowledge. Therefore, I would try my best to encourage and teach my students individually, because as a teacher it is our duty to learn the interest, capacity and ability of our students and impart knowledge accordingly.
If I were a teacher I would help even the underprivileged children and offer them guidance. I would give equal importance to every individual and avoid partiality. I would not make any differentiation between the rich or the poor. Every student should be given equal education. As a teacher I would respect their opinions, views, ideas and encourage honest discussions regarding their doubts and problems. I would break down the walls of distinction, feelings of inferiority, low-self esteem and promote team spirit and a feeling of oneness and unity. I would try my best to create a peaceful environment for acquiring knowledge boundlessly.
If I were a teacher I would also keep in mind the powerful saying, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge.” I would watch my actions and act accordingly to the above mentioned verse. Apart from bookish knowledge, I would encourage my students to fear God, our creator and impart moral and ethical values. I would also encourage the students to be sociable and God fearing. I would work sincerely and be a dedicated teacher.
I would put in my best effort to my students, and raise different kinds of future leaders all under the same roof. I would encourage healthy competition and make them more skilled. Besides this, I would cooperate with my colleagues and higher authority. I would do my best to uplift the Institution’s name and bring fame in many fields. I would teach my students to be practical about every topic I cover and urge them to put their learning into practice. As a teacher, I would also keep in touch with my students’ parents in order to know more about them and keep a check on their general well-being.
If I were a teacher, I would also give importance to student’s emotions or sentiments. I would love to learn the cause of their sorrows and sadness. I would also encourage recreation activities. Picnic, I believe, is a form of social gathering that can help create closer bonds. So, I would take my students for a picnic from time to time inorder to make use of leisure hours, rather than wasting precious time doing nothing.
As a teacher, I would mobilise the students in bringing change in our society and fighting the evils that exist today. I would inspire them to be good leaders and work for the welfare of every individual. I would teach them to acknowledge one another. I would encourage them not to be discouraged in life as our life is made up of different encounters – some sweet, some bitter and others sour. All of these experiences together add meaning to our life. I would encourage them to speak for their rights and be bold enough to face the challenges of life. I would help not only my students, but as a teacher, educate even my siblings, relatives, neighbours and friends. I would encourage people to be morally rich as money comes and goes but morals come and grow.
As a teacher, I would try my best to bring about numerous changes in the society and lives of my students. I would always make myself available to help the students so that their dreams can be fulfilled one day. A teacher’s job is never easy nor can it be done alone and that is why I would give my absolute best to helping them achieve their dreams with the help of their own abilities and God’s grace.
“Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. For feedback or comments please email: admin@tetsocollege.org”