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)
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