Letter to Self

55C Pat Lawrence Drive

Cunaripo

Sangre Grande

20th February, 2022

Dear Keva,

How have you been the last couple of years? It certainly has been a while since we had a heart to heart conversation. Our last brief communication was about the exciting news that you are finally in a career that you love. Becoming a teacher was never in your long list of possible careers. I recall the days you talked about becoming an accountant and or an economist. You would engage your accounting teacher for hours about what was required to become an accountant, or even how to make investments on the stock exchange. Never did you ask him, 'What qualifications or skills do I need to become a teacher? Why? That career was never on your list.

While working in the private sector you pursued a certificate course and was encouraged by your tutors to pursue a degree in Management Studies. You started wanting more from a job. It was not giving you the satisfaction of making a difference. You started thinking of the people in your life who made an impact or left a long lasting impression. It required some changes but you were up for the challenge. You applied to become a teacher.

Your mother was your biggest cheerleader. She always wanted you to become a teacher, but she wanted it to be your choice. You patiently waited on the call for the interview. The wait was long, it was arduous. You gave up. You believed that the call will never happen, but it did. You were ecstatic. Finally you had an interview with Teaching Service Commission. Preparations were made by calling every teacher you knew. It was an interview filled with hope, nerves and prayers. Success! Finally you breathed a sigh of relief.

The first school offered was an all-boys school. The nerves had returned. You thought that you were not prepared, it was too much stress, and it was scary. Your husband assured you that it would be fine. On the first day you explored the compound and met the staff. They were friendly and very helpful to you. On the second day forty-three pairs of eyes stared at you. You were timid and scared but you spoke up, shaky at first but confidence soon grew. You were born to teach.

Almost four years later, you know teaching is your passion. You accept the responsibility of shaping young minds and impacting the lives of your charges.

You were eager about pursuing the Post Graduate Diploma in Education so hearing that you are doing it, is edifying. Your student's demands are constantly changing and trends in education are as well. You accept that your skills need to be elevated and refined and as an educator, you cannot stop learning. You must adapt to the ever-changing environment to remain relevant. The passion and love for what you do will be enhanced through this programme and you will have a greater impact on your students' lives. All the best on this journey.

Yours respectfully,

Keva Mahon