Hey! I’m going to confide in you today! There is not only the musician who shares his thoughts and reflections with you but there is also an educator present here. I’ve been a teacher for 21 years and I was asked to contribute my voice into the beautiful space of SIWW. And I must admit I’m truly grateful for that opportunity and I think it’s a true privilege to be a part of creating a safe environment for all those who need one, even if it’s virtual.
As an experienced educator I’m going to share with you my mixed bag of challenges and rewards which is working with young people. I’m happy to say that my job has always been my vocation and I’m proud to contribute to my students’ growth and development. Seeing them succeed makes my job worthwhile and for me it’s a true journey of learning and creating deep connections with the young people that have been under my care for so many years. I get to see them flourish from very young buds to beautiful flowers.. and then I let them go into the world with hope that I implemented in them not only the language I teach but also encouraged the basic traits of a kind and supportive human being. My job is not only a profession. I see it as an opportunity to contribute my skills and knowledge to help the future generation of leaders learn about themselves and develop their knowledge of the language that is an international tool for communication. Despite the downsides of being an educator, the positives make it an incredibly rewarding path to take. And I don’t want to add my voice to a pile of the negatives. In my life I always try to focus on the bright side of things and that’s what I will share here today.
One of the most amazing things about working with young people is the chance to make a real difference in their lives. Whether I can help them learn a new language, guide them through tough times or just be a supportive presence, I know that my impact can be profound. Seeing your students or mentees grow and succeed is one of the most rewarding feelings in the world. And I have lifelong examples of that as I’m in touch with some of my students from the beginning and I still support them and help them in their projects. Thankfully my effort is often seen and appreciated which I’m really grateful for. What I also love about my job is that young people are full of questions and curiosity. This constant quest for knowledge constantly keeps me on my toes and encourages me to keep learning as well. It’s like a never-ending cycle of discovery. As they learn from me, I also pick up new ideas, perspectives, and even new tech skills (because let’s be honest, teens are always ahead with the latest gadgets, trends or apps – who do you think taught me to make Insta stories? Thanks Nina!!).
Another lovely upside of my job is that working closely with young people allows me to build meaningful relationships. These connections often go beyond just teacher-student or coach-player dynamics. I become a mentor, a role model, and sometimes even a friend and definitely a supporter. These bonds can last a lifetime like I’ve mentioned above. And let’s not forget that youthful energy is contagious – the precious moments we share together, the laughs, the discoveries, the lessons of both language skills and life skills create a never ending environment of exchanging energy and creativity. Working with kids and teens allows for a lot of creativity. Whether it’s coming up with fun lesson plans, engaging activities, or new ways to solve problems, there’s never a dull moment. It’s a chance to think outside the box and keep things exciting. And I LOVE it. I can truly and openly admit that there is no other job that I would like to do. My teens are a ray of sunshine and even though some become young adults on the way, they will always be “my kids”.
Working with young people is undoubtedly a journey filled with challenges and rewards. It’s a role that demands patience, creativity, and a lot of heart and mine thankfully is a massive one. I can keep all of my kids in it. All those that I had a pleasure to teach and take care of for the past 21 years. To all the present and future educators – I know we don’t have it easy but please stay strong. You are important and your role in those young peoples’ lives is underestimated. But I know what most of you do to make sure that “your kids” grow into decent people. You are supporters, psychologists, caretakers and sometimes a mother /father figure to our future leaders. So please stay motivated and be sure that you are seen and appreciated. Thanks for reading, and remember: whether you’re working with young people now or considering it for the future, your efforts can make a world of difference. Stay awesome!
And remember, keep dreaming big & making waves! See you next time!
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