From other side of desk: Day 3 and 4

The third day at school was quite relaxing since I had fewer classes. A short break truly helps to refresh both body and mind before beginning a new day. The morning started, as usual, with the assembly, where the thought for the day was, “Learning happens at all times, so we need to keep our minds open.”

A short break in between classes really helps to regain lost energy, which is much needed for a teacher’s daily routine. It’s quite a busy schedule for teachers who are constantly on the move throughout the day. One of my teachers asked me, “How do you feel about the transition from being a student to becoming a teacher?” That question made me smile; it reminded me of my childhood curiosity about what it would feel like to be on the other side of the classroom. I now realise how challenging it truly is to grab students’ attention and keep them quiet and engaged.

By the end of the day, I felt exhausted, even though I had been energetic throughout. As soon as I reached home, the tiredness caught up with me completely, making me feel lethargic but still looking forward to the next day.

The fourth day began with a chilly morning, the first real touch of winter. The breeze was cold, and my hands and feet felt numb. As soon as I reached the staffroom, the warmth there was a welcome relief. The morning assembly went by smoothly and ended with a quote by Albert Einstein:

“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”

As the day progressed, it became more engaging and enjoyable. Time seemed to pass quickly when interacting with students, compared to sitting idle. During my free period, I spent most of my time in the library, my favourite spot since my own school days. The library has always been a peaceful place for me. Back then, our librarian used to keep a book ready for me to read, and that’s where my love for reading truly began.

The day ended quickly, leaving little time for other activities, and it grew dark earlier because of the approaching winter. As the weekend drew near, the first week of my teaching practice came to an end, a week full of learning, experiences, and small moments to remember, while awaiting a fresh start filled with new activities in the coming week.