The defining moment....

The School Sports Event was an eye opening experience in itself. But truth is that the real action happened much before the long awaited moment. As a teacher, I was able to identify the athletes from the participants. While the participants strolled down the marked tracks, the athletes would be jumping and perspiring at the starter line.


Children were divided into coloured houses and the teams would be competing at various grade levels. "Each and every child must participate!" This was the order of the day. Sadly, this technical statement always churned out the same set of students who had better stamina, were well trained and possesed the aggression to conquer the odds.


I remember, the practices began with all students eager to catch a 'position' that year. Their enthusiasm was visible from their noise levels in the hold areas. Each one charged to prove his/her worth. I would stand smiling at them, re-enforcing their belief of victory.


And as the selection rounds followed, everyday a set of hearts would break and along with that, the belief of victory too. And so, if Ali was the fastest runner, he would win the 100m race, the 200m race, the obstacle race and so on and so forth. The ones who never made it, would be asked to cheer their teams or be conveniently placed in the Tug of War lot.


Names of winners would be announced and a roar of cheer would follow. Trophies were handed and medals would be worn with much deserved pride and the day would end with promises for the next year.


P.E classes would resume as usual the following week and looking at the year plan, you could picture the same winners for the coming year.


Its important to point out here that I am not in any way trying to disregard the hard work put in by the winners. Surely, they must be applauded for their consistent efforts.


However, every child desires a moment of glory. A moment that could change his/her entire perspective on how he/she views himself/herself.  


Today, even as I write this article, I have this inner desire to have my piece recognized and appreciated. I am almost 40 and yet, the mind pictures the spotlight so well.


As a teacher, I found ample opportunities in a year to provide that "defining moment" to each and every child in my class. The extroverts managed on their own, while the introverts felt safe to express in my presence and through my re-assurance. It was a joy to see them come out of their shells and hear the bells of sweet victory ringing. Everything changed after that. They became different people. People who had strong self-conviction and a high self-esteem. 


This happened because as a "teacher", my theory of success did not vary from child to child. Despite their individual personalities, my recipe for success relied entirely upon a sense of equality and justice. For me, they all needed to move forward with the complete understanding of who they were and where they were headed. 


Therefore, observe your students. Understand their desires. Volunteer to create that platform for each one to gain his/her self-respect and confidence. Be the first to provide that "defining moment!"