Nazish Jamali
The decision of becoming a Teacher: my family consists of four members, and my mother holds the esteemed profession of a teacher. However, it is important to note that her occupation is not the sole driving force behind my aspiration to become a teacher myself. Since my childhood, I had been captivated by the world of technology, harboring a deep-seated desire to embark on a journey in the field of Computer Science or Information Technology. However, circumstances unfolded in such a way that I could not pass the entrance test required to pursue these disciplines. Consequently, I made the decision to enroll in a two years Bachelor of Science program at college. Regrettably, during my academic tenure, I encountered setbacks when I failed the mathematics paper, which ultimately necessitated three years to complete my degree. Despite the challenges I faced, I diligently sought out alternative paths and employed various strategies to expedite my progress. Upon realizing that it was time to pivot and explore new possibilities, I resolved to seek admission to the Bachelor of Education program. While some relatives strongly advocated for pursuing this degree through private means, I made the conscious choice to disregard their opinions. Instead, I embarked on a four-year regular program for a Bachelor of Education, demonstrating unwavering commitment and dedication throughout my studies. As a testament to my perseverance and hard work, I emerged from the program with distinction, having achieved both a gold medal and a silver medal, symbolizing my exceptional academic performance. After successfully completing my university education, at that time instantly the Sindh government promptly released advertisements for positions in the field of Primary School Teaching (PST) and Junior Elementary School Teaching (JEST). As you may be aware, in Pakistan’s current job market, the scarcity of employment opportunities compels every graduate to seek employment eagerly. Consequently, fresh candidates exhibit great enthusiasm in applying for various positions, irrespective of whether they align with their respective fields of study or not, this doesn’t matter, as they strive to secure employment swiftly and avoid jeopardizing their career prospects. I, too, found myself among these candidates. Although my educational background is primarily focused on the “art of teaching,” I decided to explore opportunities in the aforementioned teaching positions. To my delight, I successfully passed both the PST and JEST examinations with commendable scores. Subsequently, I opted to pursue the position of a Junior Elementary School Teacher and commenced my tenure on the 8th of August, 2022, at a renowned school within my village. While my aspirations initially leaned toward becoming a lecturer or attaining a distinguished administrative position, I recognized the importance of making a pragmatic decision rather than jeopardizing my career prospects. Hence, I ignored my greed for getting higher posts and consciously chose the noble profession of teaching over the pursuit of higher-ranking positions driven solely by personal ambition. Initial expectations and fears as an inexperienced teacher: Undoubtedly, my four-year education program equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to emerge as a competent and effective educator within society. Many individuals held the belief that having studied the art of teaching, encompassing the principles of pedagogy, would render the task at hand effortless. However, as the saying goes, the true essence of one’s professional journey begins upon entering the realm of practical experience, where one encounters the diverse realities, consequences, and contextual intricacies of the profession. Essentially, the pursuit of my degree merely represented the theoretical facet of my educational journey. The true adventure commenced on the 8th of August, 2023, when I embarked upon my professional career, entering the realm of practical application and navigating the myriad challenges and rewards it entails. When I entered this noble profession, I was a freshly graduated candidate who crossed the threshold of the school as an inexperienced teacher. Ah, my first day at school is etched in my memory with great fondness. I can still feel the bubbling excitement that coursed through me as I left home, bidding farewell to my mom who was busy getting ready for her own job. Holding tightly to the appointment letter, a tangible reminder of my new calling, I also carried a vibrant blue bag of documents. As I approached the school, a mix of nervousness and eagerness filled my heart. I carefully compared the unique school code on my joining letter with the large board adorning the main entrance. It proudly displayed the school’s name and important information, inviting me into its educational sanctuary. My brother Parked his car nearby, I stepped out into the scorching heat that enveloped the surroundings. The relentless sun sent its fiery rays, causing my glasses to fog up and blur my vision. Determined not to let this hinder my excitement, I quickly cleared the fog from my lenses and set my sights on the momentous occasion awaiting me beyond the welcoming doors of the school. Filled with eagerness and excitement, I stepped inside, ready to embark on my new journey. To my delight, I was greeted by an extraordinary lady, the manager of the school, and someone I deeply admired. Overwhelmed by my enthusiasm, I entered her office without even knocking or seeking permission, extending my hand for a handshake. To my relief, she warmly returned the gesture, greeted me with a kind smile, and invited me to take a seat. That smile, etched in my memory, radiated warmth and kindness. As we engaged in conversation, she showed genuine interest in my travel experiences and even offered me a refreshing glass of cold water, Ah! Latter with a cup of tea with a great hospitably. Could this be the very reason why I held her in such high positive opinion and admiration? Hahah!… Well, who could blame me? Her genuine care and thoughtful gestures truly won me over. Established my presence in the classroom: Ah, let me take you back to my hilarious second day as a teacher. I still chuckle when I recall the moment I entered the lively second-grade classroom. Picture this: I had absolutely no clue what to do or how to handle the situation. It was like stepping into a world of unknowns, teaching-wise. You see, I hadn’t planned a thing. I just joined the class, determined to keep those little rascals engaged and prevent any boredom from creeping in. Now, hold your breath because here comes the funny part! When the class was finally over, it was time for the students to head home. But here’s where I made a classic blunder. Instead of following the school rules (which I either forgot or didn’t know yet), like organizing a neat line or assisting them in leaving with discipline, I blurted out, “Is it off time?” Well, you can imagine the enthusiastic chorus of “Yessssss, teacherrrrrr!” that followed. Without thinking twice, I nonchalantly declared, “Alright, you can go.” Little did I know that I had just given them the green light to scatter like wild monkeys! It’s a good thing they were thrilled, but I couldn’t help but laugh at my own forgetfulness or ignorance of the school protocols. Oops! rookie mistake! Hilarious chaos ensued!
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| An Inexperienced Teacher | Nazish Jamali |
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