We quite often take our teachers for granted because of the fact that they are always there for us. It is because they would rush to help us whenever we need it and they nurture us the way our parents do. Some teachers would go the extra mile to ensure that we have the necessary tools required to make us the best at everything we do.
Quite often we do not appreciate everything a teacher does for us because most of the times they never let us in. They never allow us to see or know the level of sacrifice they make so that we can become the doctors, lawyers, engineers or embrace whatever path we choose.
The saying that teaching is a selfless profession is indeed one of the truest, and teachers are very noble people.
To get an insight into the life of a teacher, the Sunday Times Magazine caught up with 31-year-old English teacher, Noreema Azaad-Ledra who shared a rare glimpse into her journey.
Here is what she wrote:
“Being the youngest of six, I, somewhat, grew up alone. The age gap between my siblings and I were one of the reasons for this. In my single-parent family, my mother worked arduously to make ends meet, my sisters were married and the boys were pretty much busy with their own lives, and I was left to experiment with the rights and wrongs of life.
As a child growing, one definite thing that I wanted out of life was to complete my high school education. Only one of my sibling was able to complete high school and I watched my mother struggle to be both my mother and father and I knew that my education was a sure thing out of the challenges my family faced.
As a teenager, the distractions were plenty and I struggled to stay focused on the goal.
Nevertheless, I graduated with nine subjects and started my teaching career at age seventeen. The following year, I began my journey at the Cyril Potter College of Education, Vreed-en-Hoop Branch. There were many obstacles, I contemplated dropping out many times, but the light in me kept me going even when the odds were against me. In June 2010, I graduated from CPCE and started the University of Guyana in September of that same year. To say it was challenging would be an understatement. I juggled with my family, work and studies and made some life-changing decisions during this period.
Through it all, I knew that I am not a quitter and like a survivor, I pulled through and graduated in 2014 with a BA in English. In continuing with my quest for knowledge, I joined the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama that same year and graduated with a Diploma in 2015. During this time, I climbed the professional ladder to the current designation of Graduate Senior Assistant Mistress at the St Rose’s High School.
As a child, I remember beating up on the posts around the house, telling them to ‘pay attention’, imitating my teachers at school. I would also, steal chalk from school and take it home to write on anything with a flat surface. Looking back, I have never thought of being anything else and I felt that this was the easiest thing, as I urgently needed a job.
However, I do not still agree that it is the easiest job.
Teaching takes patience, dedication and commitment to get through each day with children and teenagers whose lives you mould into young adults. I have had some influential teachers who have positively impacted upon my life and somewhat influenced my life’s choice and I strive to emulate the values that they imparted.
Being a teacher for almost 14 years, I can say that I feel tremendous joy when I see my students graduate. This feeling comes from knowing that I have contributed one way or another into shaping their young minds, helping them learn and guiding them every step of the way. Teaching is not for the faint at heart; it doesn’t end when school dismisses.
I have taken students to the hospital. I have cried bitterly when one of my students passed, and I have been deeply connected with those under my care, and try my utmost to help them get through their challenges, most times beyond the call of duty. What else would you call it, if not love for the job?
To upcoming teachers, do not be discouraged by the issues faced by teachers in present-day society, look beyond the surface and if this is your passion, then go for it. There is satisfaction and glory in knowing that in this job, you mould minds and shape lives.
It is sad that many persons are taking the job teachers do, for granted. However, this does not diminish the merits of teachers. We are not be measured against the salaries we collect, in fact, our value far surpassed that meagre amount we take home on a monthly basis.”
