"An understanding heart is everything in a teacher, and cannot be esteemed highly enough. One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feeling. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child." --- Carl JungI have been blessed with good teachers.... well, most of them. Cause we do know that sometimes you get one odd thing in the same bunch. They were good, brilliant. Drove home the lessons well with their teaching, books, homework. Learning from them was great.
But one stood out... a nice sweet simple petite lady who stood out not only for her brilliance but for the warmth injected in her teaching. The class wasn't just a roll call of names. She connected heart to heart. I often felt that it was almost like she was reading my mind every time she caught me looking at her when a subject was being discussed. "Okay, Ellen, what's on your mind?" And again when my mind strayed to something far away unrelated to the subject at hand. She'd ask "What's on your mind now?"
I like hearing those words from her. Nobody asked it the way she did. I felt that I mattered, that whatever it was I was having trouble with.... it's going to be alright somehow. She made me feel that I was someone, that I was not a weird odd nutty person thinking my thoughts about the universe... about people, good and bad... about life and its mysteries... and about the challenges of living in my tiny corner of the world. I was a person, not just a name. She saw me, she knew me, and understood me. She cared. She was all heart and the mind just followed close behind it.
I learned much more from her than the other dozen or so. She not only nourished my mind... but too my soul. God bless her.
Ellen, I totally agree with you, good teachers are a boon :) I still remember the time when my teacher wrapped her shawl around one of the boys in the class who was feeling cold, instead of getting angry at him, for not wearing a proper cardigan :) She was an angel and Im sure she still is, though Im not in touch with her. Loved your post:)
ReplyDeleteYour teacher's such a sweet lady. Truly an angel, Sana. Lovely to see you, hope all's well at your end. Blessings to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI know what you are talking about Ellen..Teachers indeed are one of the most special persons in your life..and if they are good teachers,,there is no way you could forget them...I also have many excellent teachers in my life that I still remember ..and I know the story of the other side too..been a teacher myself and let me tell you this is a beautiful experience..and Teachers value their Students too. especially if they are like you:-)
ReplyDeleteHow nice to know that you taught before, Mishi. Your students then were very lucky to have you. I would have loved to be in your class. Thank you for your kind and generous words. Take care and blessings to you. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's an awesome post ellen, remembering our teachers nt just make us go though the wonderful childhood memories, but also the emotions we feel when we like again..;)
ReplyDeletethanks for the post dear..
@She connected heart to heart.
Shes grt..
Ellen,
ReplyDeleteYour opening line ....well, most of them, is so true. After parents and elder siblings it is teachers who shape our life. True teacher is one who connects with students and not merely reciting lessons. You have been very lucky to have her.
Take care
Connecting heart to heart is actually how we should live our lives. She simply practiced what she preached. Yeah you're right, great lady! Lovely to see you, Prams.
ReplyDelete"True teacher is one who connects with students and not merely reciting lessons." - Nicely said, Jack. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteDear Ellen,
ReplyDeleteNAMASTE!
Where would we be,you and I without our teachers?We owe what we are today to our teachers!
My Mother-Amma- is my role model;the respactable senior teacher of the village!
Each one of us has an unforgettable teacher in our lives who helped us to mould what we are!
Let us say silent prayers and express our gratitude to our beloved teachers!
In India we celebrate Teacher's Day on 5th Septemeber,the birthday of Dr.S.Radhakrishnan!
May you have all the blessings,dear!
Sasneham,
Anu
How wonderful, Anu, to know bout your mom. My mother too was a teacher. :-) This month of October is Teacher's Month here in honor of the men and women who serve in this noble profession. May God bless all the teachers in every part of our world. May their tribe increase.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you again, Anu.
God bless you and your family.