365 days : Childlike

My Biggest Regret

Before I talk about my regrets, I’d like to write that I had a mother, who constantly reminded me that lying is the most serious sin in God’s eyes. I’ll never be forgiven if I take this route. However it’s only forgiven if my life is in danger.

Now I’m ready to write about my regrets. I got a job in a residential school when I was twenty three. Before this I taught for eleven months in a school in my town. My friend advised me to teach in the big city. I was interested and had a long interview with the Principal. I had no idea what sort of a man he was. It didn’t take long to find out. I watched him scolding the teachers in the presence of the little kids.

I realized if the head of an institution is nasty to the teachers, then it was impossible to teach in an atmosphere like that. It was an all boys school, and these children came from wealthy parents, therefore if they hear their principal humiliating the teachers, they’ll have no respect for them.

Ten days later I told myself it’s time I took some action. I decided to resign. I took my letter and handed it to the principal. He read it a few times and asked, ‘Is this a resignation letter?’

I said ‘yes.’

‘Why do you want to resign after only ten days?’

Instead of telling him, ‘I do not like it here,”

I should have said, ‘You insult the teachers in the children’s presence and I find it objectionable.’

I regret I didn’t stand up to him and told the truth. I ended up teaching for two years and three months in the above school. I also missed my chance of studying M.ED. which was always my dream.

I taught in other schools which I liked.

I met several personalities good and others who liked to criticize me. I knew what they were up to, they wanted to make me miserable. I’m not sure what benefit they got from it, other than exposing their evil nature.

I’ve regretted so many things that happened to me. They’re countless and I did not deserve any of it.

So I end with Joni Mitchell’s words:

“I’ve looked at life from both sides now

From win and lose and still somehow

It’s life’s illusions I recall,

I really don’t know life at all!”

……………………………………………………………………………..:)

365 days Writing Prompts:Childlike

Explain your biggest regret__ as though to a small child.

I have spoken to children as part of my job, they were curious ready to learn, which made my job easier.There was a boy named Mark in my class, he was a very talkative child once I told him to go back to his seat, in reply he said, “Why?”

I said:  “because I’m telling you to do so.”

Mark was in a playful mood that day, he repeated again: “why?”

It seemed he wanted to linger on to see what my next move would be, this time I said, “I’m your teacher, you must listen to me.”

Not willing to give up, he said: “but you’re not my boss, are you?”

I smiled and told him: ”  in this classroom I’m your teacher and your boss.”

He smiled back and replied: “okay I believe you, now I’ll go back to my seat.”

I did not have any regrets but I was curious to know what else he’d come up with, it was a friendly dialogue which the rest of the kids also enjoyed.

nk: https://sabethville.wordpress.com/2014/10/14/365-days-writi…omptschildlike/