Missing Teaching

Was buying water from the refill station when a guy in a motorcycle called out, "Ma'am Cheng!" I paused to look who it was. Of course I didn't recognize him but assumed he was a former student.  He got off his bike and we chitchatted while waiting for my water refill.  Told me he was so glad to see me after such a long time.  Found out he graduated six years ago and been in the army since then.  (Boy, it's been that long?! I suddenly felt old.)

Eversince I quit teaching a few years back, and old acquaintances ask me if I miss my former job, I would always respond no.  My present career(s) give me a sense of liberation which I never felt before in my former job as an 'esteemed university professor.' But that brief tête-à-tête with my former student made me realize that yes, teaching will always be special. It's an incomparable privilege...an understated role that creates a lot of impact upon the lives of young people. A teacher can become a significant influence in her students' dispositions.  A teacher can be unforgotten.  A teacher can leave an imprint in the souls of her students which, although unintended, remain there for keeps.  A teacher's legacy reverberates throughout eternity.. Sigh.

So if somebody asks me again if I miss teaching, I'd say yes. Most definitely.