A Change into Changemakers
As teachers it’s been advocated that they should be empathetic, courteous, good listeners, academician, having positive outlook to life, stern etc etc. but none told that they should smile, laugh, cry, play and teach with the kids and for the kids.
Are we as teachers being the model mentors? Will smiling, dancing and playing with the kids make a teacher childish or hungry for popularity? What should a teacher look like?
What attributes should she have while being in a school?
These questions were answered only when we saw our life’s monotonous canvas changing from white to array of colours during a four-day workshop at the Asia Plateau in Panchgani.
Let me begin on an honest note. The declaration came forth that we four teachers had to go to a four-day workshop and that too sacrificing our holidays. This was not at all a pleasing news. As we were the chosen ones, with utmost sincerity and enthusiasm we prepared ourselves and went into a place that was like wonderland. Concealed away from the crowd, an exuberant fragrance of flowers all over the place, sounds of birds and other animals and diverse tinctures of green welcomed us. Our mentors were Rekha Sahani, Sangeeta Srivastava, Jyoti Kumta and Vijayam Kartha.
During the four-day tenure we learnt that teachers should have pride in being a TEACHER. We searched those parts of life that were hidden deep within. It took us emotionally down and we emerged strong. It taught us to build relationships not only with colleagues, students and parents but also with nature. It helped us to learn to take special care to respect boundaries and branch out. They convinced us to feel how powerful we teachers are.
We had speakers from all walks of life explaining the importance of life and how small goals are important and achievable. They taught us that a contribution of even 1% in a child’s life can do wonders for them. Many important ideologies were found useful to develop stability in children.
However, the two most important takeaways were –
1.Being humble in life is important
2. Satisfaction in simple things can change the way we look at others and our life.
It did change the perspective for the four of us. We now have a positive approach to Life. We now think of “ What next” instead of “Why me” not only with our students but in our personal life.
A Valuable learning for all of us:
Hurt people, hurt others
Healed people ,heal others
Safe people ,shelter others.
Free spirits, free others.
Enlightened people, illuminate others.
We just need to make the right choice and make a difference in the world.
By: Rashmi B, Joyeeta A, Chaitali S, Sheetal P.
