A wise man once said, 'Experience is the best teacher', and we couldn't help but agree. As you stand here and look back on the days gone by, you realise how far you've come from where you began.
Not every lesson you learn in life can be taught in a classroom. Some life lessons and eternal wisdom come as you grow, as you stumble and fall, and learn to pick yourself up and start over again. And for these, life provides you it's own version of teachers.
On this Teacher's Day, let's say thanks to the unsung heroes of our lives, the ones that made us who we are.
Here's the honour roll of the teachers we forgot to thank.
1. Your mom - From your first baby steps, to a complete tutorial on ‘How to tend to yourself when you’re alone’, your mommy has been your guide to everything. No matter how old you get, when an epic crisis strikes, only two things can fix you ‘Maa kya pyar’ and ‘Maa ke haath ka khana’. She shines light on every dark alley of your life, and teaches you a way through every obstacle. Your mom, your greatest teacher.
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2. Your first breakup - Remember that time when someone broke your heart for the first time? When you crawled under the sheets and never thought you could come out again? When it seemed like your life was over and you could live no more? Oh, well, look at you, living and shit.
And before you realised it, your first relationship (and breakup), left you wiser and more mature. You’re more prepared for the hurdles that come in your way, and you learn to recognise the blaring red warning signs that tell you it’s time to say tata bye bye to your current beau. But most importantly, you learn not to compromise yourself and that if this doesn’t work out, life will go on, and you will be happy again.
3. Your dog - Dogs. Some call them miracles with paws, some call them little doses of happiness. But besides being tiny furry balls we love to cuddle with (or macho men who love to protect us), dogs teach us some great lessons in life. As Ummang Sharma Bajpai puts it, “My dog teaches me to be happy with little things.” Every time you pick up the ball, the joy that crosses over its face is the best thing you’ll see all day. He says, “Dogs teach you to love unconditionally.” They don’t judge. They don’t care what you did today, they’ll be there for you. “My dog makes me want to strive to be the person she thinks I am”, Ummang concludes.
4. College - Okay, then. It’s time to put on your big boy (or big girl) pants, and head to college. For everyone who’s been to college, I’m 100% sure, it taught you lessons you just.cannot.forget. From learning to take responsibility of your own actions, to exploring that hidden wild side of yours, college is your mini introduction to the big bad life. You learn to make friends, and lose friends, to study real hard before exams, to not at all the entire damn semester. You learn the best way to save every peny, and what it feels like to be broke in the first week of the month (and still manage), and much much more vitally, you recognise your passion in life and the path that leads up to it. All hail college!
5. Your first rejection - What follows college? The corporate world! (drumroll) We all know the saga of making the perfect CV, applying to that job you really want (and biting your nails off in anxiety in the nights that follow), and then spiralling downward in misery when you don’t get it. But then you get up and try all over again, and you learn the true spirit of life. You learn to reflect on our mistakes and try harder. And you learn to that even after multiple rejections, life goes on. So what if you didn’t get what you wanted? Bide your time and work on yourself, and something better will come your way.
6. Hypocrites - Surprised to find this on the list? Well, this one comes straight from the heart of Samira Rehman, so we’ll let her do the talking. She says, “As much as I hate them (hypocrites), their existence helps me keep myself in check. My intense dislike for them keeps me from becoming one of them.’ (I can see you guys nodding).
Hypocrites and stereotypical opinions, both bug me to no end, and in that process I understand what I never want to be. As a result, I become a better me.
7. Sports/Extra-Curriculars - We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, the lessons you learn on the sports field are unmatchable. The moment you enter the court, you are no longer yourself, but a member of the team. You learn to forget yourself and prioritise the interest of your team before you. You learn to express, to ride that rush and let it take you forward. You learn to give it your all, and when that’s not enough, give it some more. And finally in Abhilasha Ojha’s words, “You learn that winning and losing are all part of the game, and next time you’ll just have to try harder.”
8. Your sibling - If I had to describe what it feels like to have an elder sibling, I’d probably say it’s like having a life size manual for your life. From learning how to convince your parents to that party you really want to go to, to figuring out the best ‘jugaads’ or life hacks, your elder sibling is like a live in tutorial.
9. Your Best Friend - Know why this features last on this list? Because it encompasses everything we just discussed. For me, my best friend is my soul mate. They pick up your pieces when you lie broken, and glue you back together. With them, you understand the true meaning of family. They’re your happy place, and your smack back to reality. They’re the ones who listen every time you just don’t shut up, and the ones that you hug you when you’re crying so hard you can’t speak. Want to do something silly or bat shit crazy? Pick up the phone and dial your best friend.
There is no better wisdom than what a best friend imparts. They know you, they know you well, and they know what’s good for you. Best friends, they teach you what someone can mean to you. They teach you the true meaning of forever, of never giving up on each other. For blood may be thicker than water, but friendship flows thicker than them all.
So, a monster big thank you to all these teachers! You’ve made us who we are!
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