You must be expecting to hear the same old reasons – I love children, I love to teach, I am passionate and committed, I want to make a difference etc…
The truth is I never wanted to be a teacher. I never planned it. I wanted to become a famous singer whose voice could reach out to every corner of the world. I wanted people to tune their radios to my songs, watch me on TV, cheer for me, award me… I wanted to be in the limelight.
But unpredictable as life is I found myself whisked away from my dreams into the reality of Iran to wake up one morning just to come face to face with my neighbour’s 9 year old daughter. She had hope in her eyes when she timidly asked me if I could help her with her English homework. Reluctantly I agreed though at the time I did not believe I could really be of much help. I guiltily admit that after an hour of trauma I had felt relieved to see her leave and hoped she wouldn’t come back.
I’d forgotten about the whole incident until she showed up at my door a week later, standing there awkwardly but gleaming with pride. I just stood there waiting not believing what I had already guessed. Peeping out from behind her was her paper marked 18/20.
That was 15 years ago and I’ve never regretted a single day of my life since.
I am in the limelight.
