I teach because I want to learn!

Today I was asked why I choose to teach. And that too, in a government school, in an NGO which teaches underprivileged children. I always thought I knew the answer. I thought I worked here because I wanted to make some difference. I wanted to give it back to the society. These kids deserved better than what they were getting.
But today, as I thought deeper, the answers struck me suddenly. Was I doing those tiny little children a favor by teaching them? Did they ask me to come here and teach them? Not really! I am not doing anyone a favor by teaching them. The kids have always deserved an excellent education. All children have the right to excellent education. And I don’t think I can ever give them that ‘excellent’ education, I can only try. The only favor I am doing by choosing this profession is to myself. The reason I say this is because I have always wanted to be a happy person, all of us want to be happy. What does an individual look for in an ideal job? - A place where he can put his skills to use; skills which he has acquired in all these years, a place where what he does matters, a place where his work shows results, a place where he gets to experiment on the subject he is passionate about, a place where one feels a sense of belonging. In two words- job profile and job satisfaction.
Now let us consider this. How many people we meet every day love their job, are passionate about it? How many of them would work overtime if the job doesn’t demand, or if there are no added incentives? How many of them would take that initiative? Not many, I would say. May be a few. More than a few. But still, today I can confidently say that I am one of those fortunate few. I am one of those few who loves to work from home every day after work, who feels her students belong to her and she is responsible for their actions- feels a sense of belonging, I am one of those fortunate few to have found a passion, to feel a sense of satisfaction every time a child grows, to have a smile on my face each and every single day after work. Every day at work is a new day. I am NOT doing anyone a favor by choosing this job. I am being selfish. I have chosen this profession because it keeps me happy, challenges me, pushes me to my best, makes me feel worthy, worthy of an innocent child’s love. I don’t teach because I want to change this world, I teach because I want to learn.

Crossings

I live in one of the residential areas of Mumbai. Walk 500 metres from my house, and you will come across a major traffic junction. A park surrounded by 7 streets. An accident prone area. 

One fine fine evening, I was walking towards the library. I waited at the signal, for it to turn red. While waiting impatiently, I started moving ahead, trying my best to avoid the cars and cross the road. Suddenly I heard a blaring whistle sound. I looked up to see. I couldn't see any traffic police. I continued my failed efforts to cross the street. I heard someone shout now. "Stop! Stop there you! Move behind!" I was plain irritated. Here I was, in a hurry, trying to reach the library to grab my favourite book before it got shut, trying to dodge the traffic with a hundred thoughts in my mind, multitasking, and I was being asked to stop. For what reason! I looked up to see an old man- he must've been around 70, or more, I can't be sure. He was wearing a cap. Grandpa spectacles. Tracks, a white tee, and running shoes. Not quite a traffic police. He was still shouting- "Move behind, madam. You need to move on the foot path" I obeyed. Only because I was too amazed to do anything but follow instructions. I was on the foot path now. The signal turned red. The cars stopped. A taxi crossed the zebra crossing and moved ahead. I again heard the whistle sound. The man asked the taxi driver to move behind till he was ahead of the crossing. Then we could all cross the roads. The taxi driver was infuriated. They fought. I continued walking. And forgot about the incident.

Next day, taking the same path, I found the same man, controlling the traffic. All alone. Full of energy. Full of confidence. I was curious. I discussed this with my friends. They said they had seen the man too. I, later found out that this man liked to serve the society in this way. Every evening, during peak traffic hours, he would come out of his house, and remind traffic rules, definition of a zebra crossing to all Mumbaikars, whether drivers or pedestrians. We learn about zebra crossings in grade 1, grade 2 maybe. And then forget all about them. But today, every time I am on road, as a driver or pedestrian, I remember this man. I stop before the crossing- in car or on foot. It's a small thing. But today, because of him, I am mindful of the rules. They're important. Some people make sure we don't forget them. Thanks to such people. Respect !