Let me say this.

I was really ashamed of being called a teacher. Not because I didn’t see the value of teaching as a profession, but the rate at which I felt mocked for doing education.

When I gained admission to study education, 70% of people told me I was wasting my time. Majority told me to go and rewrite jamb. advice was coming from left , right, front, back and centre.

It was even causing me depression at some point.

I would have taken to their advice, but I just wanted to leave that environment at that time. So I continued.

Someone told me he was disappointed at me. Chim. 🤦‍♀️

At some point in my 100L, I was physically present but mentally absent in school.

I wanted to run away at some point, but God led someone to come hold me back. I finally opened up my plans to him and he encouraged me and prayed for me. Two years later, I began seeing how education really fitted into my values. I realized I was actually at the right place unaware.

I began trying to grow my passion. But in 300L, someone came again and advised me to quit my study and go rewrite so I’ll pursue nursing. I told him I had gone too far to quit.

I decided that once I complete that course, I’d apply for nursing and get done with all the shame.

Before I was done with school, I knew I was going no where. Education aligns with my values, desire and passion.

But, I didn’t want to be called a teacher. Because of all I’ve been through.

What about parents who look and talk down on teachers? They feel teachers are people that don’t have job and so decided to start teaching to hold body.

They don’t know there are teachers who chose to do teaching and are building themselves all-round to render quality service just like the doctor or lawyer chose to be who they are.

They said teachers “no dey get money. Dem no dey pay dem well.” To a large extent, they’re right. But what can I do about the fact that I am already passionate about it? We go no where. Rather, we’ll upskill.

Well, here I am today, saying, whatever your profession is, if it aligns with your value and passion, please wear it like a crown. Dress yourself with it like it’s your cloak.

Teaching profession is not only noble, but very rewarding.

Teaching

value

passion

©️Grace Amarachi Dickson.
Early Year Literacy Teacher.