Love You Teacher

Introduction. 

The loud, cheerful chatter of young elementary school children filled the small auditorium. Judging by appearances, it was clear this wasn't a typical elementary school auditorium. The more than three hundred brown leather seats indicated the school's status as a private institution. Furthermore, the energetic students, dressed in brightly coloured attire reflecting their personal preferences or those of their parents, showcased the freedom and independence the school offered to these young minds.

The microphone feedback was so loud it hurt my ears. It wasn't the first thing I wanted to give as the temporary headmaster of the graduation ceremony, but it had happened.

A well-dressed young man in a simple shirt and dark tie stood stiffly on the stage, adorned with flowers and a sign reading "Graduation Ceremony." He offered only a slight smile before quickly switching off the microphone and waiting for the echoing cries in the auditorium to finally subside. The parents and young students seated in front of the stage covered their ears and stared at him with puzzled expressions. Some were shocked, while others secretly chuckled at his clumsiness.

Pobmek took a deep breath, filling his lungs completely. He felt the pressure overwhelming him from all directions. He tried to regain his composure, clearing his chaotic mind, before pressing the microphone button again.

"Hello everyone, children and parents... I'm Teacher Pobmek ."

He began speaking in a slightly trembling voice, and he could feel his hand sweating profusely as he held the microphone stand. In truth, he had no plans for speaking on stage today; he was completely unfamiliar with public speaking. Normally, this role would belong to the principal or a more senior teacher, but because of his reluctant assignment as the Grade 2/2 homeroom teacher, he found himself standing here on this important day for the children, and a feeling of insecurity gnawed at him throughout.

"Um... actually, I really don't know what I'm going to say today..."

"Okay then... I'll tell you a story instead..."

His words weren't from a prepared script, but stemmed from a genuine desire to communicate with the children in the most accessible and natural way. Some parents began whispering amongst themselves in confusion, while the children's eyes widened with curiosity, eager to know what kind of story the teacher was about to tell.

"This story... is about a man. He was a teacher..."

Teachers must love children, be caring, and be ready to encourage them so they grow and learn.

"But the problem is... this teacher isn't into any of this at all... He thinks...He probably won't last this long..."

Pobmek continued talking, his gaze sweeping across the teachers' seating area before spotting an empty chair, the seat that had once belonged to someone else.

"But he managed to get through it well because he had another teacher who supported him. He was always there..."

Another teacher taught him that... teachers are no different from children. If children are growing and learning, teachers are, too. And it's a beautiful growth... when you have someone by your side, walking alongside you.