The Invisible Support

A teacher can make you,

A teacher can break you.

A single teacher can impact your life greatly. We've all had our own experiences with our teachers. Some of them can be sweet memories and some a scar. Here's my story which impacted me greatly.

When I was in my 10th grade, I was the 'Head-boy' of the school I studied in. In my last days of the semester I was called by my teacher to a corner and she said, "You're not a good enough captain for this school as you have become proud and disrespectful."

Despite my hard work for the school I felt really confused. When I tried to give her an explanation she called the response 'Bullshit' to my face and slapped me. I stayed quiet. Later I realized that my Hindi teacher gave her a false accusation against me.

I was filled with doubt and pain, questioning myself where I went wrong. A few days later, I came to know that the P.T. sir never liked me being a captain since day one. He felt that an introvert and fat student like me didn't deserve the role.

He openly proclaimed me dumb and unfit during the parade rehearsals. I felt really bad and embarrassed in front of the entire school.

I came to a realization that the Principal personally selected me and most of the teachers didn't like the fact that a chubby kid who was an introvert, who had no image in the school and who couldn't even speak a word in Telugu to fit in was made a school captain just like that.

The words of those teachers affected me mentally, I blamed myself. I began feeling insecure and discriminated against. And since that day I decided that I'll never volunteer to become a leader in my life ever again.

After a few months, I joined a new school. And for the very first time I wasn't discriminated against for not being an Andhra dude. I was surrounded with positivity, jokes and a little negativity as well.

I encountered a teacher who started pumping me up and complimenting me for my work. She always said that I'd be a good leader, but I always laughed at her and denied her opinions. I still believed I wasn't good enough. My new P.T. sir started forcing me to play basketball and dragged me out of my classroom when I was shy.

These small acts of support made me feel really comfortable and the next year, I was the Senior School Captain!

How? Well I didn't do anything that was just the result of the influence I had from my teachers which made me give out my best. And the best part was, the teachers continued to support me and openly accepted me.

One thing common between these two events of my life was that, I remember both of them crystal clear.

Words are powerful. And the words of a teacher are even more powerful.

Most importantly, a teacher plays a really crucial role in our life more than you think.

Their words, their acts, their attitude and their support all influence you in one way or another that could affect you in the long run. If you're a teacher or aspiring to be one, then just remember that you're gonna impact many lives just with a word.

Being surrounded with the right Mentors, Gurus, Professors, Sense is and Leaders can make you humble. But being surrounded with the wrong and toxic ones can make you crumble. A teacher can make you. A teacher can break you. Peace.

-Rupak Bardhan