The Absolute Refine Key

Perfection is the ultimate goal that all, if not most, human beings would aspire to attend. But what is the key to perfection? The key that would unlock many locks of perfections. These locks are not the ordinary ones that we find in hardware stores. Not even the local made ones. Despite the complexities, mazes, and varying differences in locks, it requires one ‘absolute refine’ key to unlock all – the key that would unlock the locked worlds of wisdom, intelligence, literature, science and arts, humanity, and what not. But who is this absolute refine key?

After much awaiting, commitment, and enhancement, Ministry of Education will be fitting in this day (May 2, 2012) as the last piece to the puzzle ‘Sherig Century – hundred years of modern education in Bhutan and its contribution to nation’ (Bhutan Observer). Teachers are the nation builders. I hear this phrase every often that at times I pay no heed or is forgotten. May be this is the very reason why today is observed as “TEACHERS DAY”, which also marks as one fundamental accomplishment in the history of modern education since its introduction in 1913 by Druk Gyalpo Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck. Today is the day where I am bestowed with an ample opportunity in reflecting upon the bygone school/college days and show my appreciation by rejoicing or sharing of gifts. The days of toiling during the last few days prior to sitting for exams, the days of finding myself in cold feet for loosing textbooks, the days of anticipating for better academic results, and most important of all the days my teachers (irrespective of what culture background they hail from) taught me; how to read and write, numbers are distinct from alphabets, Dzongkha and English are two important subjects, engaging in outdoor/indoor activities are equally important as studying. These are few among many others that I am happy to name.

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Teachers are believed to be always on their toes making sure they have right and saturating answer to every possible question the students might raise. Teachers also have the ability in understanding a language that requires an eye to see beyond what was seen, an ear to listen beyond what was heard, a heart to endure beyond what was endured, and a soul to feel beyond what was felt when placed in predicament. If none of these are accentuated then the probability of misjudgment should not summon as surprise. Even if it did, then the only hope left is, as many say, whatever happens it happens for good.

I am a dreamer. I say so because I dream of becoming one of the best teachers in Bhutan. I know and already foresee the path to becoming the best teacher is not so welcoming and hindrances from every nook and corner are very expected. I want to bring the change by filling up the loopholes our modern education still lacks. But one should not mistake me for I am not trying to stand my ground by demeaning or discrediting the Ministry of Education/Royal University of Bhutan/teachers/lecturers for all the best they are contributing and hours they are toiling in bringing us to this far. Now, it is my solemn duty in taking the modern education at least a step higher. This might sound little alarming or early or not so feasible but introducing of varieties of chronological small-scale research activities in schools would prepare them towards independent learning/college. From my own experience, independent learning plays a vital role than dependent learning (teacher-dependent) for one minor search/study links to exploration of other major areas of study. It might be little/more time consuming but we should not be ignorant of adage that journey to success is never smooth. There are many other alluring activities that are still lingering in the back of my head. When the time is right and I am in the right place, I shall bring it to life.

Change could be misleading if not examined and executed smartly. Change is what teachers bring in their students. Thank you to the teachers that have brought changes in me viz. academically, sociologically, psychologically, cognitively, and physically. Today, with all my heart, hands in the air, smile across my face, I can proudly say “TEACHERS” are the absolute refine key that unlocked many perfect doors and shaped me into what I am now. Happy Teachers Day.