My vocation

I'm easily moved by a lot of things.
Romantic novels that tell stories of long-lost love or new-found love and even sappy plots in movies.
It's an unfathomable contradiction since in real life I secretly vow to not let myself get carried away with emotions and the notion of being presented with flowers & everyday I-love-yous can give me a sick feeling in the stomach.

But today I learned, inspiring speeches is just one of the many things that moved me.

The valedictorians' speeches left a deep impact as it made me rethink of the vocation that I've chosen.
Teaching is a noble profession. But I believed its never the profession that's noble, its the individual whose been entrusted with the responsibility -of any job- that defines the real meaning of nobility.
I've seen some irresponsible people in the profession. I know a minority who sees it as a 'last resort' job. I'm acquainted to a few who finds that their workload is an ultimate burden.

Everyone is a teacher - and most of the time its to ourselves that we taught.
We learned from past mistakes and we taught ourselves to not repeat them.

Beyond the creative teaching techniques and the modern advances of IT, do we really have the heart to educate and nurture young minds?
Do we have high threshold of patience to guide slow learners & discipline the naughty ones?
Do we have the moral courage to impart values & to discuss ethics?
Do we have the emotional strength to not crumble at the slightest failure?
Do we have sufficient knowledge to make students interested in learning & not exams?
Do we have time to listen to every student's complaints, woes and problems?
Do we have enough wits to tackle every student's questions & smart ass responses?
Do we have what it takes to be a role model?

They say you must have passion in teaching.
Passion ignites as easily as it dims.
I'd say you must have a heart in teaching - and it's true, love may indeed conquer all.