Teaching, an unexpected calling

Having graduated from Mumbai's St Xaviers College, I had lofty ideals and ambitions. I came from a family of teachers and here I was being 'just another' one again. A rebel at the time, I prefer the idea of being a secretary and pursued that road, later realising that the challange put by my job was insufficient. I was restless about what my future would hold. Since my language skills were considered to be excellent, my friends wanted me to teach their children English. I was good at French too. To my surprise, I began to enjoy these sessions. My reputation proceeded me and gradually, there was a steady trickle of students coming to me for help. It was at this point that I decided to trudge ahead and do something that brought my skills to life.

Discerning that not everyone is made of the same mould, I have been entertained, mystified and even grappled while teaching kids with poor linguistic skills. With each batch, I could immediately spot the studious ones from the sprightly intelligent ones and the ones who just learn better outside the classroom. There was little Sheetal whose elfin face would barely rise over my dining table. Coming from a rural area, she was new to the city of Mumbai and spoke just a little English. I had literally rolled my eyes when I was approached by her frantic mother who had persuaded me to teach her daughter the alien language of French. As the days passed, Sheetal overcome her shyness and her intelligence startled me. Going about in a systematic manner to pick up the nuances of the language, her dogged determination never let her down. I was soon ticking off her work with "Bien" or "Par excellence," which always elicited a beaming smile.

Then there was Saket whose judicious views on religion, politics and the world would put learned men to shame. He was an advocate of peace and his beliefs broke the mould of convention. I truly enjoyed exchanging views with this mature minded yet young man.

Then there was Tarun, my competitive eighth grader, who would shoot off letters to international banks telling them of his desire to join them. Most of them were highly amused but a few wrote back, counselling him how to earn a place with them. It was his confidence and his clarity of thought that made a great impact on me.

Thus, my teaching sessions have never had a dull moment. I have been inspired by these young tykes and have applauded their "can do" spirit and their eminent need to conquer the future. Most have graduated or are in the progress of reaching their aspirations. As I follow them through their social media posts, I am mostly proud that I have been associated with these gifted and inspiring children. They have somehow managed to teach me more than I could ever teach them.