Overcoming Challenges with Untiring Perseverance

A s I sit down to write this article, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey I’ve had as an English teacher. It’s hard to believe that I’ve been teaching for over four decades, starting way back in 1979. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting countless students from all walks of life, each with their own unique stories and backgrounds. Teaching English has been more than just a profession for me – it’s been a lifelong passion.
One of the things that has always amazed me about teaching is the diversity of my students. From young children to adults, from beginners to advanced learners, I’ve had the opportunity to work with people of all ages and skill levels. Every year brings a new group of eager faces, ready to embark on their journey to mastering the English language.
But as the years have gone by, I’ve noticed a significant change — the age gap between my students and myself seems to grow wider with each passing year. This year, for example, my youngest students are just seven years old, while I myself am turning seventy. The age difference is staggering — ten times, to be exact.
At first, I’ll admit, it was a bit daunting. How could I relate to students who were so much younger than myself? Would they even take me seriously as their teacher? As my own health began to show signs of ageing, I found myself wondering if I was still suited for the rigours of teaching.
But then I remembered why I became a teacher in the first place — a love for the English language and a desire to share that passion with others. And so, armed with determination and a sense of purpose, I forged ahead.
Teaching young children has its own set of challenges, to be sure. Patience is key, as is finding creative ways to keep their attention and make learning fun. But I’ve discovered that children are remarkably receptive to new ideas and concepts, and their enthusiasm is contagious. Watching their faces light up as they grasp a new word or concept reminds me why I love teaching so much.
Of course, teaching older students has its own rewards as well. Many of them come to me with a genuine desire to improve their English skills, whether for personal or professional reasons. Some are preparing for exams, while others simply want to be able to communicate more effectively with others. Whatever their motivation, I take pride in knowing that I can play a small part in helping them achieve their goals.
However, perhaps the greatest challenge I face as an ageing teacher is the toll it takes on my health. Teaching can be physically and mentally demanding, and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve had to learn to listen to my body and pace myself accordingly. Gone are the days of marathon teaching sessions – now, I make sure to take regular breaks and prioritize self-care.
Despite the challenges, however, I wouldn’t trade my job for anything in the world. Teaching has been my life’s work, and I’m grateful for every moment I’ve spent in the classroom. And while I may not have the energy I once did, I have something far more valuable – experience, wisdom, and a lifetime of memories.
As I look ahead to the future, I know that there will be more challenges to face and obstacles to overcome. But as long as there are students eager to learn, I’ll be there, ready to impart whatever knowledge and wisdom I can. At the end of the day, it’s not about the age difference between my students and me — it’s about the shared love of learning and the bond that connects us all.
So here’s to another year of teaching English — may it be filled with laughter, learning, and endless possibilities. And who knows? Maybe I’ll even learn a thing or two from my students along the way. That means you’re never too old to learn something new.
In my journey as a teacher spanning over four decades, I’ve encountered unexpected twists, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift to online teaching was a significant change for me. Initially, my students were solely from my town. However, as I began sharing my activities on social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube, my classes gained recognition beyond geographical boundaries. Suddenly, I found myself with a diverse array of online students from different towns, expanding my reach in ways I hadn’t imagined before.
While this expansion brought new opportunities, it also presented challenges. The increased workload from managing a more extensive student base left me feeling exhausted at times. Balancing both in-person and online teaching required careful planning and adaptation. Yet, amidst the exhaustion, the satisfaction of reaching students beyond my immediate community kept me motivated.
As I reflect on this journey, I realize that teaching, whether in-person or online, is about more than just imparting knowledge. It’s about fostering connections, igniting curiosity, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. The COVID-19 pandemic forced me to embrace change and innovation, pushing the boundaries of my teaching practice.
Looking forward, I remain committed to navigating the ever-changing landscape of education with resilience and determination. While the challenges may persist, so too will the rewards of seeing my students grow and succeed. As I continue to adapt and evolve, I am reminded that true fulfilment comes from the impact we make on the lives of others.
In addition, I am grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for teaching with students near and far. Whether through traditional classrooms or virtual platforms, the journey of learning knows no bounds. As I embark on the next chapter of my teaching career, I carry with me the lessons learned, and the memories made, knowing that the impact of education transcends the limitations of time and space.
Looking ahead, I am optimistic about the future of education and the endless possibilities it holds. As I continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of teaching, I remain committed to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where students feel empowered to explore, discover, and grow. With each passing year, I am reminded that the true essence of teaching lies not in the age difference between myself and my students but in the shared love of learning and the transformative power it holds.
So here’s to another year of teaching English – may it be filled with laughter, learning, and boundless opportunities for growth. As I embark on this next chapter of my journey, I am grateful for the privilege of shaping young minds and contributing to a brighter, more interconnected future through the power of education. And who knows? Perhaps amidst the lessons taught, I’ll find myself learning a thing or two from my students along the way, proving once again that you’re never too old to embrace the joy of lifelong learning.