From an early age, I always knew what I wanted to be, and that was to be a teacher. Growing up, I was fascinated by teachers, the way they interacted with students, their lives outside the classroom, and the wisdom they seemed to carry. I wanted to understand them on a deeper level. This curiosity led me down the path of pursuing education as a career. However, it wasn’t until I embarked on my NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) journey that I realized the profound lessons that come with teaching, lessons that extended far beyond the classroom
The Early Dream: Wanting to Be a Teacher
Like many children, I had a dream profession, and mine was
teaching. I wasn’t just drawn to the idea of teaching itself; I wanted to
understand how teachers lived their lives. How did they see their students?
What did they do when they weren’t teaching? Were they any different from “normal”
people? These questions intrigued me, and I knew that to find the answers, I
had to walk in their shoes.
To fulfill my dream, I went to university to study English
Education. Despite going through rigorous coursework, professional exams, and
several teaching practicums, something still felt incomplete. Even after
becoming a student teacher, I still didn’t feel like I had “arrived.” Something
was missing. I hadn’t yet fully grasped what it meant to be a teacher beyond
the formalities of education.
NYSC:
The Start of a New Chapter in My Teaching Career
The turning point came when I joined the National Youth
Service Corps (NYSC). For those unfamiliar, NYSC is a mandatory service
year that all Nigerian graduates must complete. This program places graduates
in various sectors of society, helping them gain practical experience in their
fields while also contributing to national development. I was stationed in a
secondary school, where I taught English as a class teacher.
While this experience was pivotal, I still struggled with whether I had truly become a teacher. Despite conducting lessons, marking assignments, and managing a classroom, I felt that I hadn’t yet unlocked the full understanding of a teacher’s life.
The Moment of Realization: A Life-Changing Bus Ride
Then, one Monday morning, everything changed.
While commuting to school, I coincidentally entered a bus
with one of my students. After getting off at the first stop, I planned to take
a bike for the second part of the journey. Surprisingly, my student opted to
walk instead. Shocked, I asked him why he would walk such a long distance when
he had enough money for transportation. He confessed that he wanted to save his
money. In that moment, I was taken back to my own secondary school days when I
did the exact same thing.
As I reprimanded him, I suddenly realized that I had become
my old teachers. I had become a teacher without even noticing it.
I finally understood how my own teachers must have felt when
they guided me through similar situations. It wasn’t just about teaching
subjects; it was about shaping young minds, guiding them, and sometimes even
protecting them from their own youthful choices. I realized that I was no
longer the student wondering about teachers' lives. I was living it.
Broader Life Lessons Learned Along the Way
My journey as a teacher has offered me invaluable insights
into not only the profession but also life lessons. These insights can apply to
anyone, regardless of their career or personal journey.
1. Enjoy the Journey, Not Just the Destination
In my case, I was so focused on the end; becoming a
teacher, that I forgot to enjoy the process. Each day in the classroom, every
student interaction, and all the ups and downs were part of the journey to
achieving my dream.
2. Embrace Lifelong Learning
Teaching is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s also about constantly learning from your surroundings and experiences. This applies to all areas of life. whether you're advancing in your career, developing new skills, or navigating personal relationships, there’s always something to learn. Approaching life with a mindset of curiosity and growth opens doors to new opportunities and personal fulfillment.
3.
The Power of Influence
We often underestimate the impact we have on others. Whether you’re a teacher, a leader, or even a friend, your words and actions can shape the lives of those around you. I’ve come to realize that as a teacher, I’m not just responsible for educating my students academically, but also for influencing their character and mindset. This sense of responsibility extends beyond the classroom to every aspect of life.
4. Take Responsibility for Your Role in Life
In life, we all play different roles, parent, friend, employee, leader and each comes with its own responsibilities. The way we fulfill these roles shapes not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us. Embracing the responsibility that comes with your role, whether big or small, allows you to make a meaningful contribution to the world.
5.
You Are Enough, Right Now
It’s easy to feel like you need to achieve more before you can feel satisfied with yourself. But the truth is, you are enough just as you are. For a long time, I waited for some external validation, a promotion, a degree, a title to confirm that I had arrived. But I’ve learned that fulfillment comes from within. You are already living your purpose, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
6. Perspective Is Everything
Your outlook on life shapes your experiences. Challenges can either be seen as obstacles or opportunities for growth. By shifting your perspective, you can turn even the most difficult circumstances into chances to learn and improve. As a teacher, I’ve learned to view my students’ struggles not as problems, but as opportunities to help them grow.
7. The Importance of Connection
Human connections are what give life meaning. Whether it’s relationships with students, colleagues, friends, or family, the bonds we build shape our experiences. In teaching, building rapport with students allows for better communication and learning. In life, meaningful connections can provide support, joy, and fulfillment.
8.
Balance Ambition with Gratitude
Ambition is important. it drives us to set and achieve goals. But it’s equally important to practice gratitude for what you already have. Balancing ambition with appreciation for the present moment helps you stay grounded, avoid burnout, and find joy in the journey rather than just the outcome.
9.
Adaptability Is Key
Life rarely goes according to plan, but being adaptable allows you to navigate the unexpected with ease. Whether you face challenges at work, in your personal life, or in the classroom, being flexible in your approach will help you find solutions and keep moving forward.
10.
Trust the Process
Progress takes time, and sometimes, the journey feels slow. However, each step forward, no matter how small, is bringing you closer to your goal. Trusting the process means having faith that the work you're putting in today will pay off tomorrow. Patience and persistence are essential for both personal growth and professional success.
Embracing
My Role as a Teacher
In the end, becoming a teacher wasn’t about checking off a series of milestones. It was about the experiences I gathered along the way, both in the classroom and in life. My time in the NYSC, combined with my ongoing learning and self-reflection, has shown me that being a teacher is not just a profession. it’s a way of engaging with the world and the people around me.
I’ve come to understand that I’ve been living my dream all
along, even when I didn’t realize it. The journey isn’t over, it never truly
is, but I’ve learned to embrace every moment and live in the present.
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