Read, Teach, and Learn

  Being a teacher for two days, I have had several realizations that will surely leave a mark in my mind and my heart. During this memorable experience- being a teacher- I’ve enumerated some of the obstacles that you will face in this profession- which were not really easy. But of course, what I did in school for the past few days- in scientific terms- was only a cell of what the teachers were sacrificing to fill our minds with knowledge and our hearts with values.

First obstacle, according only to my experience (teachers maybe facing different kinds of problems)- you really need to know what you are teaching. I’ve cracked my head several times- figuratively and not literally- just to cram all the concepts and ideas that I need for teaching inside my brain. I’ve really felt how my mind had been exhausted, studying for several hours, nearly sticking my eyes on the book, just for the students to learn. Imagine teachers doing hundred times as much as this- it is very difficult.

Secondly, knowing what you are teaching is not the only thing important in this job. You must also know the proper way to share your ideas to your students. You must know how to get the attention of your students for them to listen what you are talking about; or else, they tend to do other insignificant things and make noises instead. During my first day, my first class was III- Newton, the star-section- I was overwhelmed. My hands were cold, my heart was pounding and my body was inevitably shaking. At first, it was very hard for me to articulate my ideas; but, as I familiarize myself, I enjoyed teaching. Honestly, I miss teaching and my students/schoolmates right now.

Lastly, being a teacher was very tiring. Standing in front of the class for several straight hours, talking until you dry your throat out, checking vast amount of papers- it was really tiring. During those days, the moment I got home, I look first for the bed, lie down, and then, peacefully close my eyes, relieving the pressures and stresses of the whole day work. I’m very proud of our teachers, doing a work like this every day, it’s just admirable- their strength, their passion.

To all those who listened and learned something from me, I utterly give you my utmost gratitude. You gave me the push and the motivation that keeps teachers to continue their noble job. Moreover, to those who didn’t listen to me, I also thank you. You gave me the feeling of a teacher when they were talking in front of the class in vain and their voices just falling to close and reluctant ears. To all of my teachers, to all of the teachers in the world, and to Mommy J, who treated us as her real sons and daughters, thank you very much. It may sound like a cliché, but I won’t bother to use an overused idea a million times until everybody gets the message, teaching really is the greatest job in the world. I love you, teachers. Happy Teacher's Day!