Me, A Teacher?

Have you ever wondered what inspires a teacher to teach?

I remember when I was a kid, one of the things I dream of doing is to teach. What attracted me to this was not the prospects of a career, but rather the amazing inspirational effect that great teachers possess, which makes each student listen and hear so attentively, interpret and understand so clearly, and act so quickly.

Believe me, as a student or any audience for that matter, it is always a challenge to even just listen and understand someone during a class or talk. And to be that someone who can make influence this natural behavior otherwise, would be someone really special. And that's what I wanted to be when I grow up.

I never pursued this as a career, more because of society's notion that teachers are paid really low and as I take my first step in the world on my own, this option seemed impractical. I was lucky though because I eventually pursued something that I was also passionate about.

But one thing I realized is that all throughout my life, I was a teacher, a coach and a mentor, to my friends, to my family, to my colleagues, and even to strangers I get to interact with.  It didn't matter where I was, I didn't have to be in a classroom.

I have to admit, it feels great to be heard. Isn't that something everyone wishes for? And I don't mean just literally the sound of my voice but when people actually hear you, understand you, and is inspired by you to act and move forward. So in every part of my life, whether I'm with my family at home, out with friends, or at work, I find myself in opportunities where I can teach, coach and mentor.

• At home, I taught my dad about computers, I taught my mom how to use her first cellphone, I shared with my family what I learned in school and at work, I shared stories that they may never have heard about, I took photos during my travels and shared the stories with people back home.  I give advice to my nieces and nephews when sought for.

• When out with friends, I told them about my day at work, I explained what I do, I shared with them my experiences.  We exchanged ideas and teach other new things.

• While at work, I trained my staff, I exchanged knowledge with my colleagues, I volunteered to be an instructor for formal training sessions locally and abroad, I was interviewed about internet banking 101 on TV, I coached the younger colleagues on career matters, I mentored colleagues on areas of expertise.

• Now I teach when I'm volunteering.  I volunteer at a public school as a mentor for a High Performers Program on weekends.  And I've also taught English during the voluntour trips that I took to Cambodia.

The list is endless.

Just as I have a passion for lifetime learning, I will always have that passion for teaching and I am glad that these are two thing that we can easily integrate in our day to day lives.