Life's Lessons :)

My time with the Oxford family has been like a life span of a butterfly- short yet very beautiful! Unravelling each and every stage shall take several posts and I myself might not be able to trim my journey into a brief note. How can it be possible when you have so much to express?
There were several 'first' experiences for me- be it dancing out in the Dandia Night, the truly colourful celebration of the Holi festival using flower petals or the Secret Santa!!! I came with an empty sac but now its overflowing with lots and lots of beautiful memories, cherish-able experiences, knowledge and lots of love!
School is all about learning and growing; where not only the students but teachers learn and grow as well. Being unaware of the protocol and ethics of working in a professional environment, I felt just like a 'Learner', with "L" marked on the wind shield of my car, who is learning to drive. I committed several mistakes and learned from them. And, gradually, as the time unfolded, I found myself pretty comfortable at this place, as if I belong to it and it belongs to me.
But I was not the only 'new' member of the school. My little kids were new as well. What more could be better than this? We shared something in common and the roots began to connect. Maybe this is the reason which initially helped me to establish a strong connection between us.
I was driven by another set of words, which made me realize the purpose of handling a class. Someone once said, "Mona, you have these little children now. Make sure you create a difference in their lives” and that someone was none other than a very noble soul, our Principal Ma'am- an inspiration for many!
My students have also inspired me many times, unknowingly. Would you like to read about that? Let me share a recent incident.
A few days back, two of my students were learning to skate. After their half an hour struggle with the skates and guards, they were able to wear them properly. As they stood, they were ready to conquer the rink. They took a few steps and tripped. Another few steps and again a fall! This continued for a while, till one of them gave up and sat. "Ma'am, I am unable to do", he reckoned and started sobbing. The other one, however, stood up after falling and with a pretty smile he said," Ma'am! See, I fall but I stand." He told the other boy, "Come, get up! Try! Try! Don't cry!" With this he began his voyage again and eventually the number of falls decreased. Looking at him, the other boy stood up as well and tried to skate as well as possible. He did fall down again, but he had learned how to pick himself up now.
What an important lesson they both learned that day! They did what many of us fail to do.
Sometimes, you have to talk to a six-year-old to understand life.
With strengthened belief in herself, this butterfly is now supposed to fly away.
Mona Bartar

Educator, Oxford Public School