Today I was
reminded why I’m here, at this school. I had forgotten. I’ve always known I
will not be here forever; and not even these things will keep me here that long.
But I am here now. And now I must remember why.
To clarify:
I am not here
for the money. I am deeply grateful for a job that pays well in a country where
unemployment is vast, but, let’s be honest, I could move across town for a
better paying position.
I am not here for
the movement upwards. In Zimbabwean education? Don’t make me laugh.
I am not here
for the stability. Four Heads in five years and a departmental crisis every 10
months, I don’t think so.
I am not here
for the recognition of how much I do. It just ain’t gonna happen.
I am here to
teach:
grammar and
spelling,
literature and
characterisation,
punctuation
and figures of speech,
but also,
how to express
thoughts, clearly and well;
to speak up;
to own opinions;
to be brave;
to listen to
and accept the thoughts and opinions of others;
to believe, in
possibility, self, and hope.
Among other
things.
I am here to
listen:
to hear truth
and lies
--spoken and
unspoken--
and to accept
that both might be necessary at different times;
to hear
stories of pain and joy,
and to feel
and carry the weight of both.
I am here to
challenge:
students and
structures,
values and
words,
systems and ideas.
I am here to
build and inspire:
people,
stories,
ideas,
hope.
I am here to
see:
the potential;
the spark in a
timid eye;
the courage/hope/confidence
that needs blowing on;
the dark
circles that tell stories of long nights;
the heart that
wants to be heard;
the pain under the laughter.
I am here to be
a safe place:
to provide
freedom
to be
and say
and do
whatever might
be necessary,
today.
I am here to
accept:
whoever comes
in and
whoever goes
out,
and to protect
that right to be.
I am here to
make better:
everything I
can,
however I can,
one small,
painful
step at a
time.
Basically, I
am here
to care.
That is why I
am here. For now.
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