To all the teachers in the world
Those who can — do. Those who can’t — teach. – H.L. Mencken
I hate that quote. In fact, I cannot find any other quotes more insulting to teachers than this particular line.
This coming from a man deemed as one of the most influential American writers and prose stylists of the first half of the 20th century. Get this, he was married to an English lecturer.
Perhaps Mr. Mencken had his reasons for quoting this. I mean, I had my fair share of teachers who are only teaching because it is the only secure job that they could get. However, that has not stopped me from believing that being a teacher is one of the noblest professions in the world.
I had a friend that gained enough credit points to pursue any profession he wanted. On his university application, he chose Education. This was then followed by a string of protest by others.
He simply smiled and answered, “Your children will need a good passionate teacher some day.â€
To many, they would not have chosen teaching simply because of the salary. Teachers make just enough to get by. Teaching, for those who are passionate about it has its own rewards.
Okay, granted that I am an educator myself, you would think that I am being bias. Perhaps I am.
But do take some time and reflect on your own past. How did you come to be where you are today? Who was that person that showed you the way?
When I speak of teachers, I am not speaking about the ones confined in the classroom or your schools. I am speaking of all the teachers in the world. You can find a teacher anywhere.
The random people you meet on a random Thursday while on your way to work. The burly bartender at your local pub. The annoying neighbor that you wish would just move away. The ex-lover who broke your heart. Your teacher could be your own mother or father. Whether you see it or not, everyone that crosses your path has done so for a reason. There is always a lesson to be learned.
I will admit however, that sometimes the lesson is only apparent to us with the passing of time. Time itself is a great teacher.
I have encountered many teachers, masters, gurus or whatever label you would like to put on them, in my short life on this Earth. And I will be encountering many more in the future. I am who I am because of the lessons and experience I have gathered.
As long as you are breathing, there are lessons that the universe would want to teach you.
As long as you are interacting with all living beings, you will encounter teachers in all shapes and forms.
As long as the sands of time keep moving, we keep on learning.
To all my teachers, Happy Teacher’s Day!!!