The Teacher in Me

Summing up my 22 years as a teacher, I believe most teachers can relate to my experiences. Perhaps I'm reflecting on this today because I've received "Happy Teachers' Day" wishes from students from long ago.

I was at the threshold of starting my career 22 years ago. I had the choice to move into industry or become a passionate teacher like my parents. Without hesitation, I chose the latter. Twenty-two years later, I still enjoy standing in front of my students, teaching them what I know. My classes have helped me improve my proficiency in data structures, design and analysis of algorithms, and machine learning. It requires hours of learning and understanding because I must clearly understand the material before I can impart it to my students.

Sometimes I feel very energetic and study for hours at a stretch to get it right. But there have been times when I've wanted to compromise. However, the thought of standing before my students with insufficient information is unbearable. There's immense pressure to get it right every time. To be honest, I have failed many times. The saying "the face is an index of the mind" is very true in my profession. One look at their faces, and I know whether I'm doing a great job or if that class was a flop.

There were days when my students hung on to every word I spoke, and I was elated. But there have also been days when my students just slept through my entire class, waiting for me to finish. There have been days when I've made mistakes while teaching and then realized, "Oh my god, how am I going to face them and rectify the blunder I made?"

Aside from teaching, it's also about the bond I form with my students over the years. This bond is mutual; I have former students who visit me at home, invite me to their weddings, and share photos of their kids. I can see the respect and love my students have for me when they inquire about my well-being. They also believe that I will listen and try my best to help them when they are in trouble.

After 22 years, I still get jitters when going to a new class with 80 or so strangers. I am still nervous about standing before students and addressing them during functions. It's often assumed that we are comfortable standing in front of people, but no, we get the jitters too. Yet, we still love the whole experience.