Yesterday was the last day for Teacher’s Appreciation Week and I never knew that there was such a celebration until yesterday – when works of love delivered to our very front door.
It was an act of love that moved me in many ways. But the most important thing was that it led me to self-understanding. You see, self-construction or individuality is created by many factors such as encounters, environment, or past experiences. But we can live a lifetime without understanding our self, especially when we are pre-occupied by the goals, plans and checklists that we have put ourselves into. We call them responsibilities. Responsibilities way back when we were studying, responsibilities now that we are working or responsibilities as toastmasters. But where is the self in all these things?
I remember applying to the school I am affiliated right now as a form of escape. An escape from the feeling of lost. Since I did not see myself working in media, I seek for another route and it led me to education
– it led me to the children.
After three years, I remember putting a seal to this decision when I decided to get a Diploma in Professional Education and a License. Then I made a commitment as I finished my contract of six years and now about to conclude my 7th year.
I never get tired of being with the children. I love it more when a child is naughty. It is like a game of chess that I have to win. I am challenged by a child who is too quiet, whose thoughts and emotions are unknown. It is like a puzzle that I have to solve. I enjoy the noise, the chaos, and the spontaneity because that is life and I feel alive when I am with them.
So, when the quarantine happened; and these noise, chaos and spontaneity were downsized to my computer screen all then felt inauthentic. The beloved naughty kid that I usually see 8 hours a day, I now only speak 2 hours a week. People say, it is quarantine, we can watch movies, learn a skill, or start a hobby; just give the self a break. I know, I did. I started sketching. The hour after work when the sun is about to set. That is my sacred hour. The time when slowly the troubles are being washed away while you cling to the good times of the day. That is the time when I sketch – the time when I illustrate my thoughts and feelings. Unknowingly, it was my self-construction.
Now I have a total of 21 sketches all about children and Montessori principles. And that hit me.
At time of lost, finding for solace would always lead me to the children.
That is my core. I am no longer just curious about children nor interested about their psychological development. I just simply love them. It is fascinating how their act of love kindled the love I have for them. Unfortunately, it was kindled during the times when I see them the least.
But yesterday was a good day. Yesterday was the last day for Teacher’s Appreciation Week, tomorrow is Mother’s Day. They are both powered by love. So, I invite you to make that act of love and make sure that the LOVE is delivered to the very front door of the people that matters.
Zeeglas 