Prior to my arrival at Lebone II College of the Royal
Bafokeng, I had paced myself through the possible activities that I would take
part in. The concept of visualising a series of events that would change the
course of my life and the lives of others, proved to be significantly
challenging. This had never happened to me before. Anticipating a goal or dream
in the past had always been effortless because I had managed to surround myself
with information that would reinforce my ambitions. It has been said that the
significance of ones aspirations is determined by the amount of fear generated
by the thought of achieving that goal. The fear generated by my inability to
visualise my experience as a teacher put a veil over that statement. I could
neither see the advantages or the disadvantages of the art of teaching. I
remember, upon my arrival on the campus grounds of Lebone, thinking, “God had better
answer my question today” How will my role in this establishment serve a
function in the lives of the student I address daily?
I don’t think I was ready for the response that he had for
me. Come to think of it, even as I contemplate every other response that
followed that one, my reaction hasn’t wavered.
Our Principal presented the staff with a lovely opening speech where he
spoke about the complex dynamics between David and Goliath. David, who was
seemingly small and out matched by Goliath's stature and sheer magnitude,
actually had the upper hand. Not only did he arrive without the armour that
anchored Goliath to the ground, but he had been harnessing his speed and
accuracy with a sling shot with wild beasts. It was then evident, that though
David arrived at the battle field seemingly unarmed, unprepared and
inexperienced for the task that was presented before him, the little he had was
sufficient enough to help him complete the task.
The weeks that followed our induction into the teaching
realm, was an influx of answers for questions I subconsciously asked myself.
Not only was my fear alleviated, but my sense of significance was reinforced. I
keep telling my co-teacher what a blessing it is to work in an environment
where I feel God's presence at every moment. After the privilege of attending
the South African Extra Ordinary Schools Coalition meeting in Orange Farm, I
was able to see what other schools were doing to make a lasting positive impact
on students' futures on a
multi-dimensional level. I have experienced that the Lebone staff make a
collective effort to improve the schooling career of their students, by giving
them equal opportunities in their academic, sport and cultural activities. Lebone’s
ethos that resonates that everyone is equally significant to the next person is
a significant part of Lebone’s DNA. The idea that there is no system of
hierarchy ensures that when a student leaves the school, they leave with enough
knowledge to assist them in overcoming the “Goliaths” of their lives whilst
being anchored by good values to carry on developing a healthy sense of
self-worth.
I haven’t quite ironed out all the wrinkles in my fabric as
a teacher but I’m quite glad with the work that I have done so far. Each day is
a new experience that brings new rewards and challenges that will assist me in
mastering this art.
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