There were many teachers, during my school years, who taught us academics, physical fitness and other activities. I’ve changed three schools and met all sorts of educators from various parts of the world. Some were able to get their teachings through us, while some couldn’t, even if their lives depended on it and some were too sweet to us. Some would yell in various accents and be unable to handle the loud and mischievous students in class, and some would merely humour us with their choice of words. But, the only school teacher that I was completely intrigued and inspired by (unknowingly) was Mrs. Sarada Mathews ma’am (English teacher in secondary school, JIS, Kuwait).
Initially, I kept complaining to my mom that this ma’am kept scolding me. I also told my mom that my ma’am was strict like her (my mom), spoke like her and had short hair like her. Perhaps I had found some similarities which led me to be quite fascinated by her. Yet, we were all afraid of her.
Sarada ma’am would ask me to pull up my socks, pull down my skirt and put on my shirt’s collar button. Our uniform was a formal shirt with a ready-made tie but I couldn’t get myself to put that uppermost button. It made me sick. It choked me. But because of that, everyone assumed I was rehearsing to walk the ramp and my short skirt only added to their presumptions.
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Despite correcting me all the time, Sarada ma’am loved my handwriting and always showed my exam paper off to the class because of its beauty and neatness. When she did that, she would show someone else’s paper next to mine. The whole class would erupt with laughter because of the contrast in their looks. My classmates thought I was lucky to have a strict teacher be proud of me (even if it was only because of my handwriting and neatness). Though a bit embarrassed with all the attention, I felt appreciated for my work.
Here, I learned that appreciating the young was important so that they are encouraged to do better in every facet of their lives.
At the end of one year, when she was our class teacher, we saw tears in her eyes. She was crying. We felt bad but didn’t dare to go ask her why she was sad. A few days later, I felt brave and asked her why she was crying the other day. She smiled and said that she thought perhaps she didn’t do her best in disciplining us. That one line completely changed my thoughts about her. That day she made my 14-year-old self feel ashamed because we always assumed that she was strict because she was having a bad day. We were never the ones at fault.
But, here, I learned that besides teaching us English, she was also trying her best to discipline us and really contribute to making us sensible individuals.
She was the only teacher whose presence made us shiver. She was the only teacher I had mixed feelings for back then. She was the only teacher whom I spoke so much about that even my mom remembers her. Maybe it was the way she commanded respect, disciplined the rowdy guys in class or repeatedly corrected our pronunciations in English, that later made me realize that I actually admired her.
Here, I learned that reminding the young about their every pronunciation (however redundant it may seem) is very important if you want them to learn a language well.
Years later, after I got married, I got to know that my husband (who studied in a grade above me for one year in the same school) was Sarada ma’am’s favourite student whom she gave an example of to everyone in the class and also fed him when his parents were late during school pick up time. He had also been to her house a few times. This bit of information made my heart jump. I was super excited to hunt her down and meet her along with him. I was sure she would be happy and surprised to see us together.
But alas, it was not meant to be. It’s been 10 years since she passed on to the other side. And I regret not making more of an effort to find and meet her before she succumbed to her illness.
Here, I learned that putting in that extra effort will always make us feel accomplished.
I have been wanting to write about Sarada ma’am for a long time but never got down to it. I never saw her as my ‘favourite’ teacher, nor the ‘first teacher’ who taught me, but I did realize that if I thought about one teacher to write about, she was the one, always!
Ultimately, I have learned that she has had more of an impact on me than I would like to admit. I am so much like her. Though not an English literature student, I tend to correct pronunciations, grammatical errors, and typographical oversights according to my knowledge of the language. I also tend to be strict with kids who need to be reminded of their basic manners.
Many bloggers reading this will understand and forgive me for the random texts I send every now and then. 😀 A special thanks to Blogchatter Blog Hop for encouraging me to finally put down my thoughts about the teacher who inspired me in so many ways!
What is your most cherished memory of school?
Feature image courtesy https://illustoon.com/
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
29 Comments
A lovely ode to your teacher… I would’ve certainly been one of the kids with the untidy handwriting! I used to write super fast and ask for endless extra sheets, but as a result my handwriting suffered gravely!
I’m so sorry that you couldn’t get in touch with her. Life, right?!! But thank you for penning down your fond memories of her. It acts as a heartfelt tribute!
Thank you, Shalini!
Your post makes me want to tell you about my son’s English teacher in school this year. She’s strict too but ensures that kids learn beyond books. But unfortunately, my son didn’t like her at all. Every day, he would crib about her, no matter how much I explained. Now that he’s moved to the next class, I think I’ll miss her 🙂 There are some teachers who truly make an impression.
True, Janaki, but I’m sure he will realize later in life.
Our school teachers make or break us. The dedication with which the teachers in our time taught us, is missing these days, I feel! I have been lucky to have been trained by some real gems!
This was a heartfelt tribute and loved being a part of her lessons through you!
Thanks, Mandira!
This is such a heartfelt tribute! I love how your admiration for Sarada Ma’am unfolded over time—from fear to respect to deep appreciation. The unexpected connection through your husband adds such a touching twist. Your reflections beautifully capture how teachers shape us in ways we only realize later
I completely understand that mix of feelings about strict teachers! Sometimes, being tough may be what our students need to grow. But yes we need to strike a balance and that’s what even I work on. Such a powerful reminder that our role goes beyond academics.
Yes, Cindy we learnt a lot from our teachers. I remembered my primary school teacher and she was idol for me. I always wanted to be like her. Still i am having conversation with her and still she is my teacher, guiding guru Sadhana Mam.
I can remember a couple of teachers who had this kind of effect on me. We might not appreciate what they did for us and be wary of their discipline but it taught us how to conduct ourselves in life.
So true, Varsha!
I didn’t have a favorite teacher either but I can recall a few who would match your description! We had a couple of strict teachers who focused both on the subject and discipline and while everyone was scared of them, they commanded respect too.
Teachers play a huge role in what we are today. We hardly notice it when we were in schools or colleges, but when we look back and retospect, things get clearer.
It’s amazing how the right teacher can leave such a lasting impact on our lives. I remember most of my teachers, even those that were a little mean to me but I really don’t have any hard feelings for them, at least not anymore, cuz I understand better where they came from after having worked as a teacher myself for a year. We certainly didn’t make their jobs easier, definitely not me. Your reflections highlight the power of good mentorship and the lessons that stay with us forever. For me, the favourite ones were always the language teachers (duh!) and no points for guessing even in those the English teacher always topped 😛
Funnily enough, even though Maths was my least favourite subject, I remember that subject teacher being patient with me and that gave me the hope and courage to climb that hill every year too
Teachers make such a big impact. I love the way you remember your teacher. That in itself is a big tribute, particularly when you see so much of her in you.
I can just picture how you must have looked—fashion icon in the making 😆 That top button struggle is so real, it’s like a tiny, built-in choking device. It’s true that good teachers can leave a lasting impact—they can either shape us or break us. You were lucky to have a good one! My computer teacher, on the other hand, couldn’t stand me because, in his opinion, I was always busy with annual day events or inter-house competitions. Fast forward, I became a computer teacher at a reputed institute and often thought about meeting him, but never got the chance. To this day, I still don’t like him.
Hahaha! Maybe you need to meet him and get closure, Anjali!
How uncanny that your husband and you adored the same teacher. I guess we all have our favourite school teacher. Mine were plural- our English teacher, music and sewing teachers. No wonder I am a jack of all trades and master of none.
I recently reconnected with my 7th-grade English literature teacher. He had a unique way of encouraging us—after finishing a chapter, he’d have the class write answers, and the most accurate and creative ones were applauded and shared with everyone. I think that’s where my spark for creative writing began. I’m sure, your teacher, wherever she may be, would be proud and moved to tears after reading this remarkable post about her!
Thank you, Pinki!
Honestly, I don’t remember a single teacher. But yes, I do recall some classmates. I don’t know what I learned from my teachers but I do recall crying when my English teacher asked me to cover his books because he liked the neat way mine were covered. I was in the 5th standard. After reading your post, I am actually trying to find a teacher I can relate to. I do feel whichever realm your teacher is in, she must be happy with this tribute for she achieved what she set out to do.
Thank you, Ambica!
A teacher can help channel students’ potential in the right ways. A good teacher can entirely transform a student’s vision in the right track.
It is true that good teachers can have a lot of impact upon us , they can make us or even break us.I once had a teacher who made me hate physics because it was only about formulae and equations and since I was planning to pursue a career in medicine it was very disheartening. I actually started believing that I had no aptitude for physics.
Fortunately we changed schools and the new teacher actually made physics so much interesting that it became fascinating for me and I did much better in that subject too. I am glad that you got to learn not just English but life lessons from Sarada Ma’am.
Wow, Preeti. Glad that worked out for you! Yes, teachers can have a lot of influence on us as we spend half our days with them.
Teachers in our lives play a king size role which many of us forget when we grow up. Where and how their words impact us and bring a change in us sometimes we dont even realize. Not my school teacher but my 2 professors of MBA said two powerful lines during my tenure with them which I still believe and follow.
1. Samata, Take life seriously or one day life will take you seriously.
2. Always keep your eyes and ears open – enough for you to get the real taste of life.
Wow, powerful words!
A great teacher can truly shape the way we think, and I love how you’ve captured those invaluable life lessons. I’ve had a few remarkable teachers in my life too—ones who didn’t just teach subjects but also taught resilience, self-belief, and curiosity. The lesson about standing up for what’s right resonated the most. It’s so easy to stay silent, but the courage to speak up is what sets real leaders apart. I also agree that teachers who believe in us often see potential we don’t even recognize in ourselves. Reading this made me reflect on the mentors who shaped me, both in and out of the classroom. It’s amazing how their words stick with us even years later! Your teacher sounds truly inspiring, and the way you’ve shared these lessons is just beautiful.