I worked as a journalist for more than 10 years and then suddenly one day I went back to university and got my degree in secondary education, finding myself teaching high school at an international school in South Korea. It’s funny where life can take you, not to mention how difficult it can be especially if you happen to be a complete control freak like me.
Yet, while life is happening with its many twists and turns, despite what the news says, there is so much kindness and love to be found.
In the wake of getting married my students are all excited for me, which in itself is very sweet and lovely. But what happened a few weeks ago warmed my heart. It was Parent Teacher conference, all the parents who wanted to see me had made appointments ahead of time and I was ready and prepared. What I wasn’t prepared for was for a former student’s mother to come into my classroom. I thought she had wandered in by mistake since I’d taught her child last year and no longer taught her. I tried to politely direct her to where I thought she needed to go, and instead, I was greeted with a sweet and shy smile.
“I wanted to see you,” she told me. “I heard you are getting married soon.”
I nodded, slightly perplexed but still professional.
“I just wanted to tell you something,” she continued. “If you need anything….anything at all, please ask me. If I can help you I will.” She fixed me with a solemn gaze. “Really,” she said. ”I mean it.”
I was at a loss for words. What she had said to me touched my heart and a small lump formed in my throat. I smiled and thanked her, hoping she could feel the sincerity in my mumbled ”thanks,” I couldn’t quite find the words to convey how much her words had meant to me.
“I was like you once,” she told me. “I moved to a different country to marry my husband and I was so alone. There was this lady who helped me and I will never forget her, so I want to help you, just like she helped me.”
Then, without another word, she gave me a small bow and then she simply glided out of my classroom, leaving me feeling all choked up but warm and fuzzy inside.
Commentaires