A good place to fulfill your life ambition of greatness is teaching. Teachers may not be monetarily rich, but we are the richest set people because we deal with people’s destinies and wellness. What rich people spend huge amounts of money to achieve, we will get them on plater of gold through our students who have attained greatness. No child is useless, so far you take time to understand them, spend time with them and nurture them. Teaching is not for lazy people who themselves need help, but for sound minds, selfless beings, it is purpose driven and for those who have great passion for it.
I remember about a decade ago, two final year project students were rejected by all the lecturers in my department because they were not serious, not regular in school, above all cult members. They looked fearful and irresponsible, shabbily dressed and rude. The moment I saw their names on my list, I knew I was in for a tough job. As lowly and approachable as I am to students, the seemingly bad or lazy one always somehow tread carefully where I am involved.
On my first appointment with these two students, they were there either to pull stunt, frighten or warn me. I was not sure but I knew they were up to something. I asked them to seat while I finished what I was writing. It was just a ploy to disabilise them and study them. I also wanted to try their patience. After about 20 minutes, I asked what they wanted. One was blunt and he told me that he cannot write anything, he just wanted me to name my price, the other was a bit jittery but obviously wanted the same thing. I smiled at them and asked them what they have passion for outside academics, one said football, the other said drama. There and then we formed the topics. Comparative analysis of language of football and cultism and the second drama versus cultism. They both looked at me with wild amazement. ‘But ma is that possible’ , they asked me, very possible, I replied. We started the journey, they supplied me the slangs, I was leading and guiding them.
When we got to chapter three, one said ‘mummy, I never knew I can write anything’ , the other said ‘mummy how did you know that we belong’, I simply smiled and told them, I did not see your bad side, I only saw a great man. I am happy that today they are better behaved citizens. One is working in a big company at lagos and the other rounding up on his doctoral studies.
No child is bad, it depends on what you see and how limited you are in handling them. Parents, please do your duties of inculcating discipline and fear of the Lord in your children at home, that makes the work of the teachers easier and more interesting. Remember that either good or bad, you will be the one to first taste the fruits of labour. And for my fellow teachers at whatever level, please do your best. I pray that you will not labour in vain and your children will not be a source of sorrow to you. Love you always. Cheers.
