I’m Your Ninja Teacher!

by Lester

Naruto once said, “A true ninja never gives up. He never takes back his words.”

I am really a fan of anime. I have heard a lot of remarkable lines already but this one has struck me the most. A simple line like such was able to craft me into a more mature person. There are really times in our lives wherein we feel that the weight of the world is on our shoulders; times when we feel that we are helpless especially when we are put into a new and different paradigm. I was once there.

ESL teaching has been a learning experience for me ever since I got this job three years ago. I remember during my first lesson that I was so nervous I could hardly hear my student. It took me some time to hit the first letter in my keyboard for my fingers wouldn’t flex! Instances like these continue to happen in my other classes. Because of which, I had sometimes thought of not attending my classes anymore.

I almost got kicked out from the company for having the least number of students among the teachers. I had sleepless nights thinking of these things - sleepless nights that gave me a pair of panda-eyes for weeks. I felt so pathetic. Yet just like what Naruto said, giving up is never an option. I entered this career thus I must take every responsibility it gives. Perhaps, I just felt anew since teaching is definitely a whole new setting for me.

Eventually, I got rid of those mind-poisoning thoughts. Good riddance! Now, I am enjoying my craft. As for my students, I like teaching beginners and kids. I find it very challenging. However, to some teachers, it’s a big headache. It’s like eating a chocolate cupcake with wasabi on top. (HAHA!)

Never did I expect that I could pull it off. (or is it too soon to say that?) Never did I imagine that I’d be enjoying this. Gee, it’s been three years. Time flies so fast indeed.

Never have I thought of becoming a teacher. I used to hate it but now I’m starting to accept fully this very noble and inspiring profession. Being an ESL teacher isn’t just about teaching after all, it is more about learning as well.

As Gill Hart says, “An effective language teacher is one that cares more about their students' learning than they do about their own teaching!” (Amen to that!)

Every day, I always do my best to perform my duty well as a teacher and better yet surmount what my students expect of me. I want them to learn what I’ve learned and share what I’ve gained. So at the end of day, someone like me leaves a print on their hearts and minds.