It was the language arts class. The entire class was focused on the teacher, Mrs. V. In walked two student organizers, asking permission to allow students in the class to register for the extempore speech competition that afternoon after classes. No one volunteers. Mrs. V gives me a questioning look and orders them to write my name down. I protest and let her know that I obviously don’t want any part of it. But she insists and with a warning look tells me that she will be there to watch me participate. I slump back in my chair wishing I could disappear. The rest of the class was a blur.
I thought hard and long for the remainder of the day for ideas to manage this situation. I had no intention of making a fool of myself – walking up on the stage with no prior preparation to make a speech for a whole minute ! No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t come up with an excuse that would be good enough to convince Mrs. V. So, I stood outside the venue with my friend, hoping that Mrs.V would have an emergency meeting or anything and she wouldn’t be able to attend the event. I told myself, then I could just leave and deal with the consequences later.
Just as the competition was about to begin, Mrs. V walked past me with a smile that said, “I told you I’d be here.” Now there was no turning back – this was real.
Shivering and shaking and hardly able to breathe, I walked in as my name was announced and picked up the piece of paper that had my topic written on it. There were so many eyes staring at me in anticipation. I wished I could vanish. But I took a deep breath, focused on the wall opposite me and started to speak. As I was speaking, I could hear a bell ring, piercing the silence in the room indicating my time was up.
I took one look at the audience and saw that just like me, their attention had been interrupted by the bell. I forced myself to look at Mrs.V. There was a triumphant smile on her face. I walked out and my friend asked me how I managed to speak so well. I had no idea what I had just spoken for an entire minute. Believe me, it felt like forever. But I was just glad it was over!
Mrs.V followed me out, patted me on the back and exclaimed, “ You did it! And quite well may I add.” I could now relax – at least I didn’t embarrass myself. So I sat down and listened to the rest of the speakers. I was shocked when they announced that I won the competition! It was unbelievable!
I felt that this was just a lucky coincidence and that I had dodged failure. Of course, I couldn’t do it another time. However, Mrs. V persisted and once again put my name on the list of people representing my college in a Personality contest. It was nerve-wracking – don’t want to do it but can’t get out of it. I surprised myself yet again by winning that as well. Two times lucky. How is that possible?
But, that time, I had to ask myself if it was just luck or if there was something I was unwilling or unable to see that was seemingly obvious to my teacher. So I continued to challenge myself and participate, and I continued to do well in the competitions. Needless to say it was an immense boost to my confidence.
Through the years, people have often commented on my ability to make a presentation. Every such comment reminds me of Mrs. V and I truly believe she deserves the credit for identifying my ability. Mrs. V’s conviction in my potential and my own experiences taught me that there was more to me than I believed. Thanks to her, I put myself out of my comfort zone, and the experiences changed me for the better.
In fact to be very honest, I wouldn’t have started a blog or wanted to share my stories without this nudge from Mrs.V so many years ago. I would rather have been content with being the quiet, shy child, happy to blend in with the background observing the world and the people.
Mrs. V exemplifies a good teacher – one who believes in the child’s abilities and shines a light on them, especially at times when the child doesn’t see it in themselves.
Thanks to all the teachers who work so hard to shape the future of our world. I’m so grateful to our teachers, like Mrs. V, who understand that they have a lot of power and influence – especially in their classrooms – to make an impact and use it well.
Then again, when I think about it, teachers are not just in the classroom. They are all around us. People who believe in us – choosing to teach by just being themselves, or leading by example or sharing an encouraging word or choosing to guide us, or actively participating and helping us along on our journey through life.
Who is/was your favorite teacher/individual and how have they changed you for the better? Perhaps you would like to take a moment and share your thoughts with them ? How do you think they would react? I’d love to hear your stories !
Thanks for sharing !