Razia Rasheed Former Teacher Pakistan International School, JeddahIt's been two years since I took retirement from teaching, however I still believe that giving and learning continues throughout life. I always wanted to be a teacher and my teachers were the source of my inspiration, hence I did my bachelors in Education. My first day at school as a teacher was perfect. I wasn't nervous or afraid, in fact I was confident and believed in myself that this is what I prepared for (I worked for). It was my passion and I always aspired for the best. I remember being given a very weak class once; the students took almost no interest in studies. Not for a moment I thought I will leave, instead I worked really hard with them. I used to conduct examinations on blackboard and the best thing was that the students prepared well in advance as they knew that the whole class would watch them. Secondly, every student loved writing on the board. At the end of the term I succeeded; the class showed excellent result. When I was a student there was no such trend as private tuitions, but now even the kindergarten kid goes for tuition. Going for tuitions overloads the child and damages the creative corner of a child. I believe they should not be burdened with thick books. A child is disciplined in school and a teacher should make sure that she/he is utilizing student's time properly. Parents must make sure that their child is getting proper education. They should help their kids with their problems and listen to them. Teachers! Teach honestly. This profession should not be taken lightly. We are building the future. It doesn't matter if no one sees you now, but you have to be answerable to yourself. It was hard for me being a mother and teacher. I used to drop my daughter at nursery, go to school and then pick her up at noon. I put my heart and soul into being a dedicated teacher and a caring and loving mother. When your own child looks at you with pride in her/his eyes, or when students whom you used to teach long time ago come running to you just to shake hands and tell you that you used to teach them in Grade 5, at that moment I feel all my struggles have been worth it. I have given 30 years of my life to teaching, at first it looked like squaring the circle but now, when I look back and see what I have achieved — knowledge and respect — appreciation and gratitude. I miss the routine, the students, the classes, but I am satisfied that I have done something for a better tomorrow. As told to Nisma Rafiq/Saudi Gazette __
