To those who teach us
The people who help to shape who we are won’t be around forever, so let them know that what they do is priceless and lives on forever in some form.
THE Irish poet William Butler Yeats wrote that education isn’t about filling a pail. The best teachers are the ones who light a fire in the hearts of their students.
Those of us long out of education will no doubt remember the educators who inspired us beyond the books. They are the ones who taught us more than we realised and encouraged the best of what they saw in us.
Earlier this month, I was saddened to hear that one of my former teachers had died in her home. Her name was Pauline Taylor, and she was a lecturer in journalism who greatly inspired swathes of her students.
Pauline taught me 15 years ago and it was obvious even then that she was the best kind of teacher: one who always worked hard to encourage her students to develop their love for all things media.
As with any good educator, she would be quick to praise a job well done and even quicker to let you know when you had dropped the ball.
She could be a fierce woman, but her ire was always warranted. Everyone knew that her wrath came from a good place: She wanted us to take our education seriously, especially given the competitive industry we desired to enter.
It’s said that there’s no way of telling where a teacher’s influence ends, and I was glad to have Pauline’s support long after I’d finished my studies. Following my move to Malaysia in 2015, she was still happy to offer her guidance and make sure I was keeping up to speed with current affairs.
When I decided to study for a master’s degree in counselling two years ago, I asked if she would write an academic reference on my behalf. Within a day, Pauline produced a letter that both filled me with pride and trepidation. No doubt she was sincere in her praise, but the message was clear: “Now that I’ve recommended you, you’d better not drop the ball!”
I’m sorry that she died just as I completed the degree. When I finished my initial studies, I wrote a letter to tell her how much she had inspired and terrified me to do the best I could, whatever I was doing. I’m yet to reach any notable standard, but to Pauline, it was enough that her students keep trying their best.
When my book, Mindfulness And
Emotions, was published earlier this year, my dedication was written to four headstrong women who have been immensely important in my life. Pauline was one of the four, all of whom had an incredible ability to encourage others to better themselves while keeping them squarely grounded in the meantime.
When I reflect on why Pauline inspired me so much, I realise she was much more than an educator. She was also a motivating force through her example. Pauline was comfortable in who she was – she didn’t need to pretend to be anyone except herself, and although she enjoyed the admiration she received, she never sought the approval of others.
On rare occasions, she might be found in a less-than-congenial mood, but even those times were endearing. Pauline showed her students that authenticity was the most important quality and that, even when you weren’t at your best, it was OK – you could still carry on and get the job done well. We were never expected to be perfect.
I’m glad that I and others kept in touch with Pauline. I’ve always felt that teachers in general never get the recognition they deserve, and since the best ones do the job for the right reasons, it makes it all the sadder that some teachers never get to know just how valuable they are.
On one occasion, I was invited to give a talk to a group of Pauline’s newest batch of students. She later asked me if I’d ever consider lecturing in media, and without hesitation I replied, “No chance!” I was far too nervous, and that brief initial experience demonstrated just how difficult the role of a teacher can be.
After that day, I realised just how grateful I was for the educators who really made a difference in my life. Teachers educate many thousands of students in their career, and they do so much behind the scenes that they really should be afforded a footballer’s wage.
As unlikely as it is that they’d receive such a reward, I would highly recommend anyone who has been inspired by their teachers – formal and otherwise – to let them know what kind of effect they’ve had on your life.
The people who help to shape who we are won’t be around forever and there’s no telling when their time will come. Sadly, teachers don’t get paid nearly as much as they’re worth, but in showing our gratitude to those who guide us, we let them know that what they do is priceless and lives on forever in some form.
Whatever your students have achieved, your guidance and support have played no small part. Wherever you are, Pauline, thank you so much for everything.
Sandy Clarke has long held an interest in emotions, mental health, mindfulness and meditation. He believes the more we understand ourselves and each other, the better societies we can create. If you have any questions or comments, email lifestyle@ thestar.com.my. The views expressed here are entirely the writer’s own.