"A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning." – Brad Henry
These lessons are not only from teachers in the traditional sense, but also from those who have taught me and shaped me—whether parents, teachers, or mentors. Each of them, in their way, has left a lasting impact, offering lessons that have guided me through life. These lessons went far beyond textbooks and grades—they shaped the way I think, the way I lead, and the way I navigate the world.
- The Impact of Kindness- One of my most cherished memories is of a teacher who showed me kindness at a time when I felt invisible. A simple smile, a kind word, or taking the time to ask how I was doing—it made all the difference. That teacher didn’t just teach me subjects; they taught me the value of empathy and human connection. They made me feel seen and valued, not for what I could achieve, but for who I was as a person. That lesson in kindness has become a core part of who I am today. It’s a value I carry with me in all my interactions, whether I’m working with colleagues, or engaging with students. It reminds me that beyond all the metrics of success, it’s the small moments of kindness and connection that truly make a difference.
- The Push to Reach My Potential- There was another teacher who never let me settle for good enough. Even when I thought I had written the best answer or completed an assignment to the best of my abilities, they would push me to dig deeper, refine my work, and aim higher. It wasn’t about criticism—it was about belief. This teacher believed in my potential more than I did. They saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself at the time, and they kept pushing me to reach it. That belief and encouragement pushed me to break past my limits and realize that we all have untapped potential. Today, whenever I face a challenge, I remember that lesson. I remind myself that sometimes we need someone else to believe in us to reach heights we never thought possible.
- A Love for Learning- One of the most lasting gifts my teachers gave me was the joy of learning. Whether it was making a seemingly boring history lesson engaging or encouraging us to read beyond the curriculum, they instilled in me a passion for knowledge. They taught me that learning isn’t just about passing exams; it’s about curiosity, exploration, and the pursuit of understanding. That joy of learning has stayed with me throughout my life. Even today, I find myself eager to pick up new skills, explore new ideas, and embrace every opportunity to grow. It’s a gift I cherish deeply and one that I try to pass on to others—whether as a mentor, a colleague, or a lifelong learner.
- Curiosity Beyond the Surface- One of my teachers had a unique approach to teaching that still resonates with me. No matter how many correct answers we gave, they always pushed us to go further with one simple but powerful tool—questions. Instead of settling for "what" or "who," they constantly asked "why" and "how." It wasn’t about memorizing facts, but understanding the reasoning and logic behind them. This habit of digging deeper and exploring different perspectives made learning exciting and challenging. It’s this relentless curiosity that drives innovation and growth, and I owe that to the teacher who taught me never to stop questioning.
- The Power of Trust and Autonomy- In college, we had the opportunity to organize various events, and my teachers trusted us entirely with the process. We were given full autonomy. There was no micromanagement, no constant oversight—just trust. That trust made all the difference. We felt responsible, and we knew that any mistakes we made would be ours to fix. The freedom to take ownership of our tasks gave us room to fail, learn, and ultimately succeed on our terms. Today, as I navigate my professional life, I realize how much that trust and autonomy shaped my ability to take initiative. The experience taught me that the best way to learn isn’t through constant supervision but by being given the space to explore, fail, and grow.
- The Lesson of Discipline- During my school years, I faced a unique challenge—my school was almost two hours away from home, which meant I had to travel nearly four hours every day. Despite the long commute, our school had a strict discipline policy. The gates would close at 7 AM sharp, and there were no exceptions. Even if I arrived a minute late after my long journey, I would not be allowed in. At the time, I questioned the rigidity of this rule, especially given the challenges I faced just getting to school. But over time, I realized the importance of that discipline. It wasn’t just about being on time; it was about learning to respect time, to be punctual, and to manage responsibilities effectively. That lesson became even more apparent in my professional life, where discipline and punctuality are key to success. During my Teach For India Fellowship, we were always asked to arrive '5 minutes early' whether it’s arriving early to meetings or ensuring deadlines are met, the value of discipline has been a cornerstone.
- The Importance of Patience and Fairness- Not all experiences were positive, though. I remember encountering teachers who were partial toward students with higher grades, and it made me feel invisible. The favouritism left some students feeling discouraged and overlooked, despite their efforts. That experience, however, taught me an important lesson about fairness and patience. I realized that not all students learn at the same pace or in the same way. We all come from different backgrounds, with different stories and different learning abilities. As a result, some students need more patience, more encouragement, and more understanding. Today, when I engage with others, I remind myself of that lesson. Whether in teaching or leadership, I strive to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and that everyone’s unique journey is respected. It's important to recognize potential in all individuals, not just those who excel by traditional measures.
- Empowerment Through Decision-Making Finally, I’ll never forget how our principal and teachers encouraged us to make our own decisions. During parent-teacher meetings, our principal would always remind parents to let their children decide their paths while offering support and guidance. This gave me the confidence to take ownership of my choices, even when they were difficult. Moving out of Kolkata to pursue my career, without knowing the region or what lay ahead, was one of those tough decisions. But it was the confidence instilled in me by my teachers that made me believe in my ability to succeed. They taught me that making decisions, even when uncertain, is part of growth and that trusting yourself is key to overcoming challenges. That lesson in empowerment has stayed with me throughout my career.
Each of these lessons has shaped who I am today. They are reminders that education is not just about facts and figures; it’s about the values, wisdom, and experiences we carry with us throughout life. I’m forever grateful to the teachers who inspired, challenged, and believed in me, shaping not only my career but my entire outlook on life.
Thank you to all the teachers who have left an indelible mark on me. Your lessons continue to guide me, and I hope to pass them on in every way I can.
