Paradox

In a recent presentation to a class of college seniors, I was asked: "Why did you choose teaching as a profession?" On an informal occasion that had occurred earlier, I was caught in a debate: "How can you teach when you do not converse?" How should I make out the latter question? I just wanted to eat shit and die! 

I am at the final stage of my PhD and am resolved to apply exclusively for teaching positions. I want to teach. A few years ago, I decided to pivot my life toward learning and knowledge building. I had quit industry three years ago and started my academic life.

Overnight, I let go of my work-identity which defined who I was by colleagues, friends or strangers. The identity that created and consumed conversations. The identity that is so onerous and unreal. Honestly, how often have we used our identity, earned or borrowed, to drive conversations these days? Little regard to whether the conversation are reckless or mindful, so long as we are onymous.

I am enjoying being an anonymous person in an unfamiliar context which would become familiar soon. I am a mother, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a student, a researcher, and yet I am not all these. Who then, am I?

This question either intrigues or annoys conversationalists. The former would likely explore me to the abyss and the latter would probably crucify me to confession. Coming back to: Why did you choose teaching as a profession? An extract of my teaching philosophy is reproduced below:

"A teacher is a committed learner and understands that when it comes to learning, there is no finishing line. Teachers must be able to embed this understanding in their teaching to stir the intellect. I strive to reawaken and stimulate students to think about the meaning and the true value of education."

I told the class: "I strive to pay back what I have learned from my own education and global experience to make a difference which can change and transform students’ lives." 

My own life has been just that...TRANSFORMED BY A GREAT TEACHER!