Today is September 5th. It’s Teacher’s Day, and I wish a very happy Teacher’s Day to all the teachers whom I have been a part of my life. I want to write down an important story from my life..
I was in class 8, and Maths suddenly became difficult for me. My quarterly exams came, and I failed it. I had failed for the very first time in my life. I just got 17 out of 50, and at that time, 18 or 20 was the passing score. I was a bright student, but somehow I was not able to understand Maths in class 8. I was very depressed and sad, and I felt I would never be able to clear maths again. Suddenly, the subject I used to like became a nightmare. My mother saw the problem in me. First, as every Indian parent would do, I was cross-questioned about why I failed in maths. I explained myself that I don’t understand the subject.
My mother requested a colleague of hers who taught math in her school. Her name was Monica, ma’am.She took me for one-on-one private tutoring in the mathematics subject .Instead of scolding me or just teaching me, she first understood me. She understood why I was not able to perform well. What is my fear? What is my phobia? After understanding my challenges, she beautifully crafted a course, a path which I could follow. In a couple of months, I not only fell in love with maths again, but I also scored 48 out of 50 in my half-yearly.
She continued to make me very strong in maths in class 8th, and by the time I reached class 9th, she had to leave for another city because her circumstances changed. However, the confidence she instilled in me, the belief she had in me moved me for life. She made me believe in myself again while the world mocked me for being a failure. She held my hand and made me believe in myself again. That incident not only touched me but served as the solid foundation for anything I do in my life.
Even today, when I try to do something new or whenever I face a difficult situation, I remind myself of the version of me who was in class 8th. I remind myself of the version of me who got a holding and guiding hand in the form of a teacher who made me believe in myself: I can do whatever I can do. It’s just a matter of time.
That is the importance of a teacher in one’s life, and if you get or come across an amazing teacher, that one teacher can change your life forever. On this Teachers’ Day, I want to wish every teacher out there who, despite of all the odd conditions, is committed to changing the students’ lives. Happy Teachers’ Day!