My First Ever Teacher Appreciation Week!

For those who don’t know, I have been an Assistant Teacher in a preschool classroom for four months now and it has been an enlightening experience, to say the least. There are times when I wonder if I am the teacher or them, because children these day are vere level! But, last week made me realize that I am the teacher. It was Teacher Appreciation Week at our school and I had NO idea what lay ahead.

The school management asked all the teachers to fill out a form listing our favorite flowers, fruits, foods, colors, and stores. It felt very odd to fill it out and it was even more awkward when the office emailed it to all the parents and also asked us to display it outside the classroom for all the parents to see. My main teacher and I were embarrassed to the core; but coming to think of it, the idea was good as it helped the parents give us thoughtful gifts, that we actually liked and will use.

Each day of the week was allotted for a specific item: Monday for fruits, Tuesday for flowers, Wednesday for special gifts (gift cards), Thursday for something sweet, and Friday to wear our favorite colors. Our bags we full of fruits by the end of Monday, and I came home with a dozen mangoes and one mini watermelon. On Day 2, our shelf was filled with gorgeous flowers and chocolates. Day 3 brought in numerous gift cards and very sweet hand-written notes; Day 4 was a SWEET day, and the week ended with a sumptuous lunch organized by the school and a small collection of chocolates and gift cards.

At the end of the week, I was left overwhelmed: a heart filled with joy, love, shock, surprise, and an overall feeling of satisfaction. I have been appreciated at my previous jobs, but never to this level and I am truly appreciative and grateful to the parents who went out of their way to make sure that we all received gifts that we loved.

I would like to conclude by saying that I have had and still have many inspirational teachers in my life, and even though many had suggested that I should take up this profession, I did not get to it till this year. To all those who recommended teaching as a career, “Ellathinum adhindedhaya samayam indu,”(there’s a time for everything) and a big big Thank You. And if any of you are considering a career change or thinking of getting back into the work force after a long gap, don’t think too much. If I can make a change now, anyone can.