When I made the decision to depart from my teaching career in 2013, I found myself fully immersed in the enchanting world of Shakespeare. I was passionately instructing Grade 12 students in the complexities of
Macbeth, all the while co-directing a captivating stage production of Arabian Nights. Having spent a decade forming deep connections with my teenage students in Karachi, Islamabad, and Cairo, I can't simply
quantify the impact of my teaching abilities throughout my career. What truly matters is that I believe I made a lasting impression on each one of my students.
Fast forward to 2021, where I dedicated eight years of my life as a passionate stay-at-home mom (SAHM) and homemaker, cherishing every precious moment. During this time, I nurtured a profound bond with my daughters, offering them my unwavering emotional and physical support around the clock. Meanwhile, I successfully managed my food blog, delved into life coaching courses, and conducted workshops for fellow
parents. In short, I achieved a state of contentment that seemed unimaginable for a SAHM. Being at home meant indulging in long sujood (prostration) during prayers, without the worry of time slipping away. I had the luxury of starting my day with early morning breathing exercises followed by a serene yoga session. I delighted in preparing
gourmet school lunch boxes for my daughters and relished the company of like-minded mom friends. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to join hobby groups such as the book club, which widened my horizons and led
to engaging discussions with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Teaching, to me, seemed like a chapter of my life that had reached its conclusion. However, there's a profound Urdu saying that has always inspired me: "zindagi mei koi bhi daawa harf e aakhir nahi hota" (as
the saying goes, in life, no claim is ever truly finalized.). And so, here I am, concluding my second year, instructing English as an additional language to young learners. What an incredible journey it has been! It presented an entirely new experience, one that I must admit was quite humbling. Transitioning from being a subject teacher
in a bustling classroom to engaging in one-on-one interactions with these little human beings proved to be a stark contrast, especially in the beginning. Teaching children of such a tender age, who possessed only survival-level English skills, left me feeling somewhat lost and uncertain. The adjustment period was far from a walk in the park, to say the least. However, with the unwavering support of my team leader and the encouraging camaraderie of my team, I gradually found my footing.
By the final term, a remarkable transformation had taken place. The tiny human who timidly entered my classroom in the first term, armed with only survival English, had blossomed into a confident, chatty
individual with an uncontainable spirit. When did this metamorphosis occur? Wallah, I hadn't even realized it. The quietest boy within one of my small groups suddenly found his voice, not allowing others to utter a word In fact, his performance on the final English as an additional language assessment showed significant improvement.
Over the past two years, as I continued my journey, I have been greeted with sheer joy and excitement every time I walk through the corridors. The students would spot me and immediately erupt into enthusiastic screams of "Ms. Shah!" Their little feet would carry them towards me, eager to shower me with hugs. It warms my heart to witness
their genuine affection and the genuine bond we have developed.
The EAL room has become their sanctuary, a place where they never want to leave. It's not uncommon for them to express their reluctance to return to their regular classrooms. witnessing their growth and improvement over the course of two years has been truly rewarding. From their first tentative steps in speaking and understanding English to now expressing themselves with confidence and fluency, their progress has been remarkable. It fills my heart with pride to see how far they have come and how much they have achieved.
As I reflect on my two years in EAL classroom, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have made a difference in these children's lives. They have taught me invaluable lessons about patience, compassion, and the power of genuine connections. While my teaching journey may take a different path from here onwards, I will
always carry a deep appreciation for the EAL department and the time I spent here. The memories of these remarkable children, along with the lasting impact they've had on me, will forever hold a cherished and
irreplaceable place in my heart.