The good thing about today’s information age is the world can access almost anything and connectivity draws people together to share views and experiences. Nations get collective endeavors going even without their people having to leave their respective countries. Such access to global information and connectivity brings endless possibilities.
It is true that we still live in trying times and conflicts do exist because self-serving ideologies and greed for power keep certain quarters from moving forward. We witness chaos and see self-imposed destruction that lead to hunger and deprivation for mankind. It is ironic that while information has made our world borderless, those caught in the crossfire have to risk lives to save their families and abandon whatever means of livelihood they have just to get out of the quagmire.
Such a serious topic raises lots of questions and demands a real search for answers. What could have gone wrong?
The strength of a nation lies in the strength of the individuals that make up its citizenry. To my mind, education plays a crucial role in its progress and development.
Today, we see an enlightened world. Nations and people work together, celebrate together, and bring attention to causes that address issues and realities sometimes ignored.
Last October 4, World Teachers Day was marked not so much with celebratory fanfare, but as a day when we can pause and reflect on the roles of teachers in our lives. It was a day of recollection, and remembrance.
Our fondest thoughts went back to the time when our mentors patiently taught us to master the alphabet, learn the basics, and made us aware that good manners and right conduct mattered. They also tried to teach us that not all learnings were confined in the classroom.
Physical exercise would keep us healthy, sports would allow camaraderie and friendship to develop, and creativity will sharpen our minds and imagination. Looking back, I cannot help but be thankful how, as mentors, they have laid the groundwork for us to set our own foundation in life.
Our teachers prepared us to grow. No matter how restless we were, they would painstakingly guide us and tame our characters with sincere hope that we could become useful citizens someday. They taught us respect, encouraged the virtues of hard work and cooperation as tenets for success.
Later in life, we would learn that the road ahead was not always smooth, wide, and straight. Sometimes, we see the road narrow to a bend, other times rough terrains would try our patience. Along the way, we learn to anticipate surprises, hoping for the best, but mindful that we should prepare ourselves for the worst.
Such insights ring true and apply to this day. Through thick and thin, teachers shine to light our way. They have touched our lives, influenced our character, and made us better persons than we could, perhaps, hope for.
Many of our teachers were not even our blood relations. But, at the rate they came into our being and into our lives, their genuine nurturing has made them part of us that we can never let go.
I’m glad we now have World Teachers Day to celebrate our own mentors for life, as I have also become one today combining communication and education. | NWI
