You’re writing your autobiography. What’s your opening sentence?
In crafting the opening line of my autobiography, I would aptly express, “Embarking on a journey demanding millions in patience and determination, characterized by unending toils and trials.” This would definitely be my opening remarks.
I have embarked on numerous road trips, primarily due to work commitments. Many times, I found myself relishing the journey more than the final destination. There are specific journeys that I’ve deemed worthy of preserving in my cloud for future reference. One such memorable journey involved two work colleagues and me, accompanied by one of my colleague’s uncles. Although it was a relatively short trip, lasting about an hour and a half, the late evening journey offered a much-needed respite.
During our journey, we didn’t engage in extraordinary activities. The sole constant was the tape recorder, seamlessly transitioning between local pop, classical, Bollywood, English, Bengali music, and Manipuri. Lost in our individual worlds, we absorbed every nuance of the sunset views amidst the bustling highway traffic. We marveled at the backdrop, ranging from mountains and valleys to clouds, factories, and the vibrant life of bustling cities.
Amidst the journey’s hustle, there were sporadic bursts of laughter, sparked by the only man in the car, who also happened to be the owner of the car, injecting some color with his not-so-funny jokes LOL. Although the journey seemed short, we reached our destination in no time. Nevertheless, I relished every moment, as it provided a brief escape from the hectic life of a 21st-century working woman. Upon reaching our destination, we unwound with delectable street food, cherishing the night after enduring weeks and months of hectic schedules.
Navigating life as a daughter of a middle-class family in the Far East, where stable incomes are elusive, and with four siblings, each eager to broaden their horizons and make a meaningful impact, has proven to be a far more challenging journey than I could have anticipated. Adulting, a term I never thought would encompass such complexities, has forced me to confront the stark realities of financial instability.
In those days, as I yearned to start earning and contribute to my family’s well-being, some elders dismissed my aspirations with laughter, insisting that life is not as straightforward as I believed. Initially, I felt annoyance and anger, vowing to prove them wrong. However, reality unfolded differently, and I learned the hard way that the wisdom of elders, derived from life experiences, is invaluable. Perhaps I should have heeded their warnings and savored my teenagehood more.
Despite the challenges, my determination to move forward and face the world head-on persisted. As the eldest child, unexpectedly shouldering responsibilities akin to a second mother, I found myself in a role I had not anticipated. While I acknowledge that complaining is futile, understanding that I am entrusted with this role for a higher purpose keeps me focused.
Observing friends who effortlessly achieve success and prosper in life leaves me both amazed and bewildered. I marvel at those who seemingly do nothing and yet lead comfortable lives with the support of their parents or siblings. It remains a mystery to me how they navigate life with such ease while I toil daily, not only to overcome hurdles but also to manage the debt incurred in pursuit of my education.
This surreal life, uncharted and unanticipated, has failed to come with a warning. Nevertheless, the challenges I face and the experiences I endure are shaping me into a better human being. Each trial, each hardship, is a precious gem contributing to my unique journey and making me distinctly different.
In life’s vast classroom, lessons unfold,
Teaching wisdom, precious and gold.
A recent chapter, a poignant tale,
Of self-love learned, a ship set to sail.
To love oneself before others we guide,
A truth to embrace, not to let slide.
For in our pain, our loved ones feel,
Hurting them deeply, wounds that don’t heal.
To heal oneself, a skill to acquire,
Time, the gentle mender, the heart’s desire.
Kindness and generosity, virtues profound,
Give healing its time, on gentle ground.
In this journey of self-discovery,
No guide but self, a lone odyssey.
Yet, in the quiet, a voice I find,
Jesus, my solace, in whom I confide.
So, let the lessons of life unfold,
A symphony of growth, a story told.
To love oneself, the foundation firm,
In this sacred journey, a lifelong term.
Recently, I came across a perseverant man in his early 60s who decided to step into my classroom to polish his skills in English. He had experienced life from a heavy blow to the highest point of satisfaction. His love for films and movies can never be extinguished. After fulfilling the duties of being a father to his two children (they are well settled with life now), he is now ready to fly off with his wings wide open. He says life is all about doing what we love because we don’t know when, but one day we should be ready to go as death is inevitable. A faithful and eager learner, he makes sure to be present every single day, despite the fact that on most normal days, he will have to say goodbye to his friends, relatives, and loved ones. As these goodbyes might be the last journeys for them, yet with agility, he will smile and attend my class after sending them off.
At first, I thought he was giving me lame excuses, as there couldn’t be a day where he had to send off his loved ones every alternate day. However, when I recount his age and theirs, I apologize to myself for my short-sightedness. Life truly is moving at a very fast pace. We would often ask him about his childhood and be amazed by how fast the world has changed within six decades.
Despite the fact that he is a grandpa to most of my other students, he is always the one who makes them feel that learning is all about courage and effort. He never stops himself from answering the questions being asked or the assignments being given. Instead, he would laugh it off and say he’s a kindergartener, being lenient with himself when his answers were wrong. Honestly speaking, I feel undeserving to be teaching him. At first, I thought it would be a big challenge for me because I had never had a student of his age. I was definitely reluctant to accept him into the class, yet I gave myself a chance to accept individuals as they are and never judge them for who they are. I’d say I really used the principle of social workers—the principle of non-judgmental attitude.
I am glad I did not turn him away, and I am grateful that my other students did not despise or ridicule him. Instead, they are accepting him and learning together with him as a classmate. They laugh, learn, and share experiences together, giving me the energy to get up every morning and be ready for class. I am indeed grateful to have them in my classroom.
