FACING THE UNFAMILIAR AND TEACHING AS JOURNEYING (CH.6&7)

Facing the Unfamiliar (Ch.6)
We never know for sure what is to come in future. Always relying on God’s providence we move forward in our life. God is our everything who knows what is appropriate for us in a given time. Jesus says in the Bible that God the Father takes care of the lilies in the field and birds of the air in the sky so we should not be worried about in life because He is the giver of life. When I was teaching in the school I realized that every year I faced a new group of students in my class who were completely unfamiliar to me. It took quite some time for me to understand their whole intellectual, emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects of life in order for me to deal with them in a suitable manner. My personal discipline was a great strength for me which helped to come out with new and innovative and creative ideas in my teaching. My students liked me very much at the same time I was also criticized sometimes because I was too demanding in the class. Whenever I had any kind of problem I always examined myself and tries to see what was wrong. I always found the answer because I was ready to change myself. We need to realize our own strength and weakness and this can help us to be better and effective teacher in our life. If we want to change the world we have to change our self first.
Teaching as Journeying (Ch.7)
Life is a journey for some and an adventure for the other. I do agree with Durka when she says that “The journey of life is full of surprises.” I am proud to share my experience with my most influential teacher when I was a studying in Lower Primary school. As Durka says that vocation is both an inner and outer journey, I had the same experience in my own teacher. Ms Ignacia was the most loving teacher. I found in her certain qualities such as compassion, integrity, dedication, empathy, truthfulness, attentiveness, love, generosity and understanding. She was able to reach out to the need of every one of us in the class. I fondly remember when she asked us one day in the class, “What do you want to become in life?” Many of my friends responded to her saying that they would like to become doctor, engineer, teacher or a nun. My response to her was that I would like to become a priest. Her action influenced me very much and as I grew in age my desire for priesthood became stronger. I am what I am today is because of her great contribution in my life. We can surely be able to transform the lives of our students and others though our own good deeds and kind words.