Photo illustration: Mukti Mulyana
This article is part of the Teachers' Notes series on “If you could go back and start all over again, would you still become a teacher?”
When I was little, I wanted to be a reporter and a designer, but then life led me to become a teacher.
It never crossed my mind to pursue my aspiration to become neither a reporter nor a designer when I was in senior secondary school. My parents chose for me and signed me up at a college majoring in teacher training. I just followed along.
During my time in college, I realized that I love the subject. I thought that was what my life should be. I was determined to become a teacher.
Looking for Work Everywhere
Being a fresh graduate was the most memorable time in my career. I sent job applications everywhere, from schools to companies, even factories.
I applied to an insurance company in Bandung and managed to pass their interview test as well as their week-long training. I was then accepted.
However, I never worked at the place. I did not understand a single thing explained in the training. I did not know how to market insurance, let alone approaching clients or even working in the insurance industry.
I mastered being a teacher. I know how to teach and understand children's psychology. At that time I realized that I had to be a teacher.
Higher Aim
Four years after, I've had worked in various schools from private schools in different qualities to state schools in remote areas. I had made up my mind that I am a teacher.
I managed to pass the prospective civil servant selection process so there was no reason to left this profession.
I have changed my passion to be more than just a teacher. I want to be the best teacher and one day become a school principal. When I achieve that, I will change my aspiration to be the head of an education agency. I will always increase my aim to be the best that I can.
My mind is filled with everything related to the teaching profession. I cannot imagine what my life would be like if I did not become a teacher.
*This Note was written by RY, a primary school teacher in West Java.
**All articles published in the Teachers' Notes are the views of the authors. They have been edited for popular writing purposes and do not represent the views of RISE Programme in Indonesia or RISE's funders.
