Public Perception of a Teacher
“So, you are a lecturer?” queried one of the many aunties at a wedding, looking at me with surprise and a touch of disdain. “But you did engineering, right? And you are teaching? Look at my sons; both are in the US with high-flying corporate jobs,” she boasted, as she settled down beside me with her juice and starters.
I was accustomed to these taunts, but today, I decided to set the record straight. No aunty would get away with mocking me anymore. Plus, I had plenty of time—it was a wedding.
“Oh aunty, corporate jobs. They aren’t adventurous or exciting enough for me. On the desk all the time, attending numerous calls all day and night? I want my job to be filled with surprises, excitement, and fun. A software job wouldn’t give me all that. Nah!” I retorted.
She was stunned, clearly not expecting my comeback. But she didn’t give up. “And what excitement does teaching give you? It’s so easy. Teaching is such a leisurely job.”
The Reality of a Teacher
Yeah, standing in front of a hundred teenagers, grabbing their attention, looking into their eyes, screaming at the top of your voice, and getting a positive response from all of them—it’s all so simple and leisurely, right?
I rephrased my thoughts, “Auntyji, what would you say about delivering at least a dozen different presentations every week in front of a crowd of close to a hundred students? Each student has a different attitude and a different mindset. They judge me, analyze every word I speak, and are ready to call me out on my slightest blunder. Mind you, my audience is not a small group of well-groomed adults who tolerate a bad presentation. A gang of youngsters is a different story altogether. Have your sons ever faced such fun and adventure?”
As I lectured her, I imagined the confidence and preparation needed to face a class. The satisfaction of finally capturing their interest, conversing, interacting, and stirring their young minds is unmatched. Encouraging doubts, solving problems, and sometimes learning from them—winning their respect and friendship—provides a satisfaction that words can hardly express.
Aunty pursued relentlessly, “It must be really monotonous, taking lectures all the time.”
I was genuinely surprised. “How can my life be boring when I’m always surrounded by young people? I’m constantly updated with the latest fashion trends. There’s a constant flurry of activity: technical festivals, cultural events, sports, and debates. In fact, I think mine is the only profession that doesn’t let me grow old. I feel young among all these youngsters.”
Teacher’s Meagre Salary
Aunty now attacked me with the deadliest weapon:
‘A TEACHER’S SALARY.’
I smiled calmly, “Aunty, no job could ever give me the satisfaction of being a teacher, a friend, a mentor, and an advisor, all rolled into one. We have no deadly office politics in college. The better you teach, the more popular you become. Success only encourages others to teach better. A nod of acknowledgment, a frown of doubt, a request for advice, and a smile of appreciation from students make a teacher’s day. Every day, I go home a little richer and content. Satisfaction in my pocket.”
Moreover, the intangible rewards of teaching—seeing students grow, succeed, and occasionally return to thank you—far outweigh any monetary compensation. The joy of knowing I’ve made a positive impact on young lives is unparalleled. It’s not merely about the salary; it’s about the legacy I leave and the difference I make in each student’s journey.
As aunty sat there dumbfounded, I rose to refill my juice, but not before firing my parting shot,
“There are some things money can’t buy… for everything else… well… you have corporate.”
By Preethi Warrier
Preethi Warrier has completed her Masters in Electronics Engineering and is an Assistant Professor. She is one among the winners of the TOI Write India Campaign Season-1, for the famous author Anita Nair. She can be contacted at : warrier.preethi@yahoo.com
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