Money isn’t everything in a profession

When I was young, I had many professional options available, but it was the sight of my teachers and their basic understanding of social and intellectual morals that impressed me. They were expected to project nothing but the right code of conduct. It was as if they were on a stage for 24 hours a day. They had to do right in the eyes of society, in the eyes of their children, be it at home or in school, and as expected of any human being.

After mustering up all my courage, I announced that I would take up teaching. Since I came from a family of teachers, the reaction was very welcoming. However, the reaction of all those so-called successful people in my life was as if they were in a great state of shock. They all looked at me in disbelief for choosing a career that pays only a little.

The journey to this new path was the journey of my lifetime. It was as if I had entered a totally different world. When I had to enter my first classroom, I had a form of stage fright. I wanted to become the best teacher for my students, the best mother to my children and the best friend to all my colleagues. Days, months and years passed trying to improve myself, then one day it began to be reflected in my students and in my children at home. They all had a sparkle in their eyes of respect and appreciation for what I taught them.

My reply to all those who always looked down on this profession is that it’s not always what you bring home that counts. What counts is what your pupils take back home. They take a little of you back home every day. They take a little of your teachings back home and they take a little warmth that you spread.

Time and again, we teachers are accused of choosing a poor profession, which is merely paying, but this largely respected profession certainly makes me richer with each student who expects a lot of love and wisdom from us. Teachers shouldn’t feel deterred from the path chosen and they should follow their dreams.

- The writer is a principal based in Dubai.