Mentor, Teacher, Friend, Philosopher or Guide : Be The Role Model They Need

There is a lot that goes into mentoring and teaching, of being a teacher and of helping a young mind with guidance. However, it is very rare to find mentors who really put their heart and soul into guiding the next- young men and women of future India who would want to shine in all their glory. 

Back then

I still remember as a child, where I grew up studying in a convent school – St. Paul's Boarding and Day School, Kolkata. The days I reminisce, with chutzpah, nostalgia and plenty of memories- where teachers were strict and where being in an all boys school, meant challenges for them to deal with. Hats off- it is because of their guidance and following the motto of our school – BE A LIGHT- today a marginal population of the school (boys and girls) have made a name for themselves, in more ways than one.

Teachers back then took the trouble of staying back late or entering early to sit and coach students with learning challenges- private tuition back then wasn't that famous as they are now- it seems parents and teachers now have no time to guide their offspring- academically.

I am not here to judge or to preach; I rather appreciate everyone contributing in their own small ways to make a difference, but the essence of guiding a fertile mind is somewhat (in my opinion) lost. 

The new age

Times have changed and so have people; I find it so sad to see students and teachers crossing the line when it comes to being cordial with one another- where’s the respect for the two?

I have friends who teach in reputed schools across the nation and the globe- their stories are almost the same. They rant about the education system, of children walking in with high-tech gadgets to school, of parents challenging the teachings and the methodologies, of parents challenging teachers where mannerisms are spoken off and yes, of children disrespecting their mentors.

What’s new? Nothing! Growing up we too faced and did the same- however, the challenge lies in being more than just someone who teaches and preaches- of being the role model the young mind looks for outside his or her home. 

Breaking stereotypes

Teachers are foster parents and so true about that- the new age beckons the mind to be progressive and accepting; various factors here-

• There’s more to the child than just being a boy or a girl
• Gender sensitization is a must before the child reaches puberty
• Orientation acceptance- because everyone is born unique and different
• Emancipation of the old norms
• Getting back to the roots
• Understanding why the child doesn't perform well
• Understanding the socio-economic background of a child
• Children with single parents
• Children with learning issues
• Positive talks are a must, and the list can go on

Before you embark on being that mentor- ask yourself if you are sensitive enough to address the demons and evils of stereotypes- if you are willing to go that extra mile to help someone achieve a dream.

Children have stars that twinkle in their eyes- let that shine not fade under the wraps of narrow minded bigotry and phobias- society would never pay their bills when they grow up- let the rose buds blossom in full bloom!

Signing off with love

Rohan A H Noronha 

(Social activist and image stylist)