'You shouldn't be a teacher'

Writing is therapeutic. When heart is overcome with feelings, it looks for a pen or paint brush. Mine is tapping away on the key pad.

Yesterday, on my way back home from school I was vaguely listening to the chatter of children. You actually need to ride a school bus if you really wish to get to know children. This is the time they are completely relaxed and open about their opinions and thoughts. An eleven year old turned to question a seven year old - what do you want to become when you grow up? I turned to look at the cherubic expression on that little face. To be honest, I didn't expect to hear any answer. Aren't 7 year old children busy thinking of chocolate cookies, Pokemon, Tom and Jerry? 

'I will become a teacher when I grow up.'

I smiled.

The eleven year old looked surprised. 'You shouldn't become a teacher.'

I was witnessing something I hadn't anticipated when I boarded the school bus. I wanted to interrupt but restrained myself.The seven year old looked annoyed, squinted her eyes and straightened spine. 'Why?' she asked. The eleven year old replied calmly, 'That is because it is a very difficult profession.'

Now, I really hadn't expected to hear this reason. I was intrigued.

'Why do you think teaching is a difficult profession?' I asked and told myself that I was into the most interesting, intriguing and intellectual conversation. 'Oh, every teacher takes at least 10 minutes to quieten our class - we are extremely difficult to manage.' 

Revelation - I actually hadn't expected to hear this too. So children are very much aware when they test patience of teachers! 

The seven year old was listening with a lot of interest. There were fine lines marring the smoothness of her brow. She was thinking hard.

'Many in my class want to become doctors, engineers, scientists but I want to be a teacher. I want to teach class 1.'

I smiled again and wondered at the reason for the little girl's desire to become a teacher. 'Who is your favourite teacher?' I asked. 

Without hesitation she named her favourite teacher. I couldn't stop myself from asking the next question. I had to know.

'When there are so many other teachers, what makes her your favourite teacher?'

I had stopped assuming, I knew I was interacting with extremely intelligent kids. 

'She is my favourite because she always talks politely.' 

I stared at her expressionlessly! I was learning. 

'You like teachers who are polite?' I asked but in reality I was reiterating the statement to myself.

'Yes, even when I make a mistake she talks politely,' the seven year old added. She looked wise.

Isn't it rightly said by Malala - One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the World.

One teacher definitely inspired a seven year old to follow her footsteps.