Children are my source of inspirationMs. Wafa Abdul Azeem Teacher Al- Fikr International School- Jeddah It's been 12 years since I entered the noble profession of teaching, but the memory of my first day is still very clear in my mind. I stepped out from home at a very young age due to crisis in family, and went into teaching. I vividly remember the first day when I was given grade 2 to demonstrate a lesson. I was given half an hour in class and meanwhile the the principal and two other teachers were observing me. I was confident and dressed appropriately like other teachers. When the class was over I didn't get a word of appreciation, but my several mistakes were pointed out, predicting that I will never become a teacher. But destiny had other plans and predictions were proven otherwise, and I was called to join the school. I worked as a teacher in the morning gave tuitions in the evening and at night I gave time to my studies. It took me six tough months to get settled with my new routine, but for the sake of continuity of my studies I taught. Every new day had a new challenge. As I gained experience I gained confidence. I got to know how to tackle with students as everyone has special needs. I completed my Masters degree which earned me assertiveness and boosted up my morale. Students were my source of inspiration. I looked at them with their little problems and confusions on the faces, and just giving them a little more attention and encouragement they were able to comprehend and grasp the subject. While we try to teach our children about life, our children teach us what life is. At first I thought that teaching is not my cup of tea, but gradually I learned from my mistakes, gained confidence, realized every kid's need and satisfied parents. The way the parents pay respect with contened expressions amplifies my will to keep going. Success of students is my triumph. I fell in love with teaching while trying to attain my dream of higher education. I am a teacher, but I am a learner too. Teaching taught me that nothing is impossible. It taught me not to give up on dreams and to say yes I can! And, yes I did. As told to Nisma Rafiq __
