Photo illustration: Novita Eka Syaputri
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?”
I have passed many seconds, days, and years overcoming obstacles, challenges, desperation, sweat, regrets, tears, but also having laughter and happiness.
Sometimes I wonder about the time that has passed and the road I'm travelling. The wondering came when I saw my peers get their success at such a young age and how I felt burdened because of my studies. But it was just an idea that I can't realize because there are many variables to consider.
Never Dreamt of Becoming a Teacher
The journey that has led me to become a teacher was never my dream during my school years. However, I believe how fate carries my dreams the right way. I was indeed "lost" in the best path possible, shown by my parents and God.
I am a teacher now. I have taught in various schools for about 2.5 years. Have I ever thought of turning around and not becoming a teacher? Never.
I will not turn around. I will continue to get "lost" in this path of being a teacher and I have no regret.
Never Boring, being a Teacher
Completing my four-year undergraduate course majoring in primary school teacher education, followed by taking the two-semester PPG programme at the Surabaya State University proved that I have made up my mind on this path. It felt very rewarding; inexplicable happiness.
I found a family at the university. They are my support system for achieving my new goals: to be successful and become a civil servant teacher together.
At the end, after everything I’ve been through, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. My friends and I have been accepted as civil servants at our hometowns. It was an incredible experience. My earlier thought that being a teacher is a boring job was wrong.
After being in this profession, I found many incredible things, from the students’ smile to a warm support from the school principal and fellow teachers. Everyone made me grateful after getting “lost” in the right path.
No Regrets
There are many layoffs during this pandemic. As a teacher, I am safe from the ordeal and still receive a decent pay.
My gratitude goes beyond my job stability. Thanks to my parents’ blessing and hard work, God granted their wish for me to stay with them. I was accepted as a prospective civil servant back home.
The point being, I don’t have any regrets. I merely fight for decisions I’ve made and be grateful for what happened.
*This Note was written by BR, a primary school teacher in East 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.
