My Enthusiastic and Erudite Teacher

The changing landscape of education from in-person classes to online classes brought too many concerns in mental, financial, and physical aspects of life. I had the privilege to meet one of the most remarkable individuals, my enthusiastic and erudite teacher.

Two years ago, I can still think back to how strict this teacher was when I was submitting my requirements for enrollment. At that time, facemasks and social distancing were necessary for preventive measures. However, I was too engaged in meeting my new classmates to the point that I forgot the safety measures of the school. All of a sudden, this teacher abruptly opened the door and uttered “What are you doing? If you don’t follow the school’s policy you better pack up and leave” I was too stunned to speak and terrified at the same time because that’s not a good impression to make but I had no control over it because it happened only in a minute but then, I became more cautious of my actions.

A year passed by and I was already a second-year college student and the academic year had just started. All of us were surprised to know that this teacher was going to handle one of the most heavy subjects. It is safe to say that this teacher unknowingly inflected fear to us, probably because of the hearsay we heard from different students. But then as weeks passed by, all my doubts and fears were washed off. The kind of teacher whom I long to wish to met seven years ago. This teacher of mine was incredible in his/her ways. He/she is the kind of teacher who ensures a positive learning environment where everyone is safe to share their personal experiences in life with no quick judgment and indifference. He/she always makes sure that none of us must be left behind in terms of knowledge, skills, and grades. He/she always makes sure that those who are left behind must be given a fair chance. However, the most significant experience that I had with this teacher was when I failed to master my topic for discussion. This time around, I wasn't able to answer one of the questions– a very simple question that I failed to answer. Instead of discussing my topic, this teacher diverted the attention of the whole class to not let me feel stupid in front of my classmates. Afterward, I said sorry to my colleagues and this teacher because I failed to deliver the content skillfully. But I learned the lesson that in this subject, pedagogical skills should always go hand in hand with content skills.

Another remarkable trait this teacher has is that he/she is always down to earth despite his/her impressive standing in the university. It was always the corruption that this teacher hated the most and it was always the equity that he/she wanted to promote to everyone. This belief of his/her impacted me in every way, that we should be kind towards one another as we may not know what are the hidden stories of these people. The least we can do for them is to never judge directly but rather, know the person’s story so we may have a better judgment and understanding.

I am always thrilled to attend classes because I anticipate the learning I might get from this teacher because every time she talks, she talks from the heart. She has this warmth sensation that spreads all over the four corners of the classroom that is contagious which makes my heart feel warm and at ease. Like at the end of the discussion, I have a lot of realization in life and a mistake that needs to be reflected. She also manifests a motherly-figured which is why it's easy for me to open up and speak about experiences in life without worrying whether I might get judged or be treated indifferently this teacher always shows empathy which I appreciate the most.

As someone who lacks motivation and is quite an overthinker in every aspect of life, this teacher gave me hope and light, for according to her " Worry not about the future, for we are shaping you today for the preparation of tomorrow" and this truly, sounded like a new hope for beginning and a torch that gives life.