Despite the immeasurable impacts and extra miles teachers go to mould the characters and learning of kids up to adulthood, through Kindergarten, Nursery, Primary, Secondary and tertiary institutions, the general public seem to overlook the right place and importance of this noble profession which has been a blessing to generations.
This oversight is glaringly evident in the meager compensation they receive, impacting not only their standard of living but also their demeanor, fashion sense, and overall well-being, consequently influencing public perceptions of their profession.
In the foregoing, a journalist, who also volunteers as a part-time Creative Arts teacher in a primary and secondary school, Raphael Obasiohia, fondly called “Uncle Rafiki” by his students, views teaching not merely as a job but as a way of life. He urges fellow educators to present themselves with dignity and grace, affirming that “Teaching Is Not a Dump Site…”
Sharing a poignant encounter with his pupils, he describes such as a glimpse into the wisdom of “Elders Trapped in Kids.”
***
I spotted two girls amongst them whispering something and laughing out loud. One of them decided to blow up the conversation which I never thought was about me. The other, who obviously didn’t want what she had said disclosed, tried everything possible to seal her friend’s sharp lips. Now, I got interested in the drama and decided to pry, not as a “busybody,” but as a playful teacher.
“What are you girls up to?” I asked the two beauties as they played around telling me and not telling me.
“I will tell…” The sharp lips dared in-between lovely laughter.
“Please, don’t tell ooo.” The lips sealer pleaded in-between lovely laughter as well.
Now, I got confused, watching the two friends driving my curiosity around like a scattered kite.
“Do I force words out of their mouths? Is it really something to get bothered about? But, what if it’s something I should know? What if the lips sealer had said something impolite? Whatever it is, they are just kids; they mean no harm!” All these ran through my mind in a split of seconds, with some kinda genuine smile on my face.
I thought if I pushed further to make the sharp lips divulge their secret, their friendship would be tainted. Distrust might creep in, and the feel of betrayal might set them apart. Naaaaah, I was over thinking! “These kids have to tell me a little of that secret, if not all.” 
“Come on girls, my ears are etching for this little secret of ours. It’s a beautiful thing to have secrets, but it’s kinda fun sharing them with Uncle Rafiki…” I lied; not all secrets are meant to be shared. “No matter what it is, it’s safe with Uncle Rafiki…” I pressed further.
I watched them chuckle in affirmative. I felt my ears extend like those of an alerted watchdog…
“Sir, I told her you are…” The lips sealer paused and chuckled again. I smiled, smiled, and smiled again, urging her to fire on with no clue in my head as to what she was going to say.
“She said you are too rich to be a teacher…” The sharp lips cut in.
At this point, I got more confused than I ever was. “Rich?” Like “Too Rich?” I asked myself. I was nearly forced to take a peep at my account balance, perhaps there were some invisible digits begging to be seen. Come to think of it, I have never driven to school, not even in a Volkswagen beetle. I never discussed my career, side hustles, prospects, and lifestyle with these kids. Sooooooo? 
“Wow! That’s cool. What makes you think so?” I pushed for clarification. Perhaps, they knew what I didn’t know.
“It’s the way you dress to school, sir. ” She finally said. “I like it…” Both girls echoed. I couldn’t help but say “thank you” amid a soothing mixture of our genuine laughter.
Absolutely the least of what I thought!
But then, their observation was golden and called for an insight into our definitions of “looking good” and “being rich.”
To all teachers out there, teaching is not just a profession, it’s a lifestyle. It’s not a death sentence, it’s a divine calling to build a sane, creative and happy society for yourself and everyone else.
Dress your best while giving your best. Let your dressing communicate positivity. Don’t dress as though your world is finished, because that can demoralize your students. Their perception of you is as important as what you teach.
God bless our teachers!
