NO PROBLEMS...





I was supposed to start a new chapter on Friday… a relatively a tough and lengthy one. So, as I always do, I started reminding my students about it. “It is a very important chapter, with a high weightage.,” I said, “You need to have the basics clear… So, please don’t miss the initial few lectures.”


On Friday, when I started this new chapter – very important, with high weightage… tough and lengthy… at least eight of my students were missing in the class! All of them were weak in the particular subject; all of them had invited more trouble for themselves. Trouble, not in terms of my punishment or scolding’s… They wouldn’t be able to follow this chapter, now… It would take extra-ordinary discipline to do that. These kids have been consistently inviting troubles like this for themselves… and, now, they had done it again!


They have been studying under me for almost five months now… almost half of the term is over. Soon, the portion would be over… and it would be time for revision, tests and Prelims.





Why do some kids do not understand the importance of such basic things? Why are teachers like me – despite all our persuasive and motivational skills – unable to influence these kids positively? Why do these kids keep choosing their peers over their parents or teachers? Why do they continue to do it, over and over again, even when they know that it would eat up their confidence and affect their future, their life?


“They are young and growing-up,” I sometimes console myself, “they will make-up somehow.”


“All kids are not alike… Some bloom late.” I smile.




“Hey, we all were like them…


 maybe a little less reckless… 


But, we all have been like them 


to some measure at least,” I justify myself.












Tomorrow will be Monday. These kids are expected to attend my class. Some of them may bunk tomorrow, too…


Who will have tough time, tomorrow? The kids or me?


If, for five months, my cajoling or preaching has not helped change the situation, my wisdom tells me now, as I type this Post, this: “Please empathize with them… Show compassion… Patience… And, please let go your obsession to see a change in them.” I feel a lot relaxed and I further hear this: “Life is all about making our personal choices… They are making theirs; and, you have to make yours… Choose a course that would keep you peaceful… and optimistic.”


So, I am done with my complaints…


My young kids are welcome, tomorrow…


No problems… No troubles… Yes, all  izz well!




GERALD D’CUNHA

Pics.: Monica Valdar




Comments

Birva Nagpure said…
A very day-to-day scenario. could relate. Birva
September 16, 2012 at 4:01 PM
YASH RUPANI said…
True, our choices shape the quality of our life. Great post. thanks.

Yash
September 16, 2012 at 4:11 PM
Anonymous said…
Gerry, inspiring article. Jeetu
September 16, 2012 at 5:38 PM
Mitra said…
Simple yet stimulating. Mitra
September 16, 2012 at 8:19 PM
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