Sunday, September 18, 2011

For my teachers...

Teacher's day was celebrated this month and I was wondering why not pen down a few words on the people from school who made me who I am today.

Very few people actually leave a deep impression on my head. There might have been a 100 teachers who must have taught me but very few who I really adored and looked up to. There were a whole class of them - some of them mean, some of them so timid, some weird and some were awesome. I think I did mention in one of my previous posts that I once thought of being a teacher. When I was studying abroad, there were a variety of teachers from all over India - north, south, east and west. I can remember only few who actually I adored the most. One was Irfana Jalal - this teacher was so damn pretty. I know this is not a reason to like a teacher but every kid gets mesmerized by one teacher or the other for her looks ( seriously!) and this was one of those times. She was absolutely gorgeous. She taught Hindi and the subject was loved by me that year just because she was teaching it.

So next was a chemistry teacher - Gita Sivakumar. She was the word for 'class and professionalism.' She was from Kerala but did not have their accent. She was a gem and believe me when I say chemistry was a breeze when she explained it. I really did not have to even study the subject for the way she took it. Her attire would be very formal such that it would never attract unwanted attention and she was someone who could make even the dumbest kid wise up.

The person who I'd always cherish was Mrs. Sequiera (hope I got the spelling right). She was a terror to everyone. She'd make all the girls run from toilets and boys run the other way around when they spot her. She was one to look out for as she'd storm behind you unexpectedly and catch you when you're with your boyfriend/girlfriend or bunking class or wearing too short pinafores.

Now, why did I like her? I used to be real bad in Maths and was at the verge of failing during grade 6. She taught me English but she was also my class teacher. During the dreaded parents-teachers meet, my folks came to see her and I expected her to complain to my parents regarding my Math marks but she was just the opposite. She explained to my folks that I was a good kid and I needed to brush up on Maths and gave me  few books from her cupboard to help me. Next exam, I scored 90% for it. It wasn't only the books but her way of helping me out when I had a problem and the way she'd patiently understand- all this just made me love her. Also, she was such a wonderful woman - she'd visit hospitals and pray for the sick and never miss church.

I only named a few but there are so many teachers who really shaped me up - some who shared their food with me, some who made me cry, some who helped me when I was sick and some who hit me with rulers for bad handwriting ( I know!). I can also never forget the teachers here like Arulanantham, Samuel, Jeya and a whole bunch who were very sweet people.

I believe teachers play a very pivotal role in molding up a kid and to all my teachers out there - Happy Teachers Day! You guys really are to be praised for such a worthy job.