A teacher who became a student, learning new things from the students he’d once taught, translated…
That day, after three classes one right after the other, I’d become, very parched, I’d, readied myself, to climb up the five flights of stairs, to go to my fourth course of the day, then, all of a sudden, there were these, hurried steps, with a jingling tone of voice, “Professor, professor………”
Just as I thought that I must’ve forgotten to sign the sign-in sheets, that was why the students were, chasing after me, I’d turned around, such a huge surprise, the three graduates from my homeroom class came back to visit me, they were wearing their high school uniforms, to cover their identities as college students. I couldn’t help it but blurted out, “The classes had started for three minutes already, why aren’t you are, rushing to the classes”, but I couldn’t, hide the smiles from my eyes.
not my photo…
I’d invited them into class, to share with their lower school mates on the goings on of their college years, as well as sharing the tips for preparing for the college entrance exams. And, on the surface, I’d wanted them, to help inspire the younger generation, but in actuality, I’d just wanted to, sit back in the chairs, and hear those students talk about the lives they are leading now, and taking in how much they’d grown up quietly.
A few days ago, a graduate from my first year of teaching came too, being as young as he was, he was already, the manager of a certain factory, we’d eaten lunch together, and heard him analyze the attitude which the younger generations took to work from a manager of a medium-scaled firm, as well as the starting salaries, along with other discussion topic up for debate right now. And, I’d changed from the lecturer, to the student now, and, as I listened to him share the experiences with me, an assortment of brand new ideas came to mind.
not my photo…
Last night, I’d read off of a social networking website, the good news from a former student of mine, he who was already a singer and radio show host, will become a famous radio station’s DJ, I’d texted him my congratulations, told him, that I will totally find the time, to head to Kaohsiung, to find me a good spot, to listen to him sing.
The teachers, sitting in the midst of the students, sometimes, it brings great pleasures, to become an audience.
So, this, is how rewarding being a teacher can be, isn’t it? You’d gotten visited by your former students, who came back to school, to share with you, the goings on of their college life, and there are students who’d graduated from your homeroom class, who’d made something of themselves, making you proud, and, this, would be the moment of pride AND joy, for all teachers!