In honour of Teachers’ Day

The best teachers I have had the privilege of learning from have simultaneously been some of the kindest individuals I've ever encountered. Some would express this brilliance through their words of encouragement, some with humour that would leave the entire class electrified and others in their demands for accountability. To them, being engaged always mattered more than grades; presence and effort were their metrics of excellence.

There is something magical that happens when teachers pour their hearts into their work in such a way – they open new dimensions for us where hope and inspiration thrive.

Similarly, having their faith in me and being valued in the classroom by them, even as an incessantly quiet student, showed me that one does not need to be loud in order to be seen. It also gave me things I will carry for life: a love for literature and writing, a renewed ability to understand complex mathematics and even a stubborn memory of wrestling with the Krebs cycle, among many other things.

Above all, it is their compassion that I find myself perpetually grateful for, as it continues to linger in me both like a warm memory and as motivation to strive harder in my journey forward. In celebration of Teacher's Day, we asked some more people to share how teachers had transformed their lives and take some time to express their appreciation towards them.

Nusaiba Ali Khan Nazia, undergraduate student, North South University

Back when I was in eighth grade, I was a lot different than I am today. I'd barely pass – indifferent about academics and doubting if I'd ever do better. It took my wonderful teacher Fidia miss (and a fair amount of scolding), to pull me out of that headspace. She believed in my potential in a way that set me up for a lot of my academic success afterwards, and I'd like to thank her for uncovering abilities in me I was unaware of. In many ways, her dedication and relentless effort in my rebellious teen years got me to transform my life for the better, not only in a "failing to straight A's" kind of way but also on a personal level. These are things I can never thank her enough for.

Anha Alif, A level candidate, Education Services

I carry a love for learning that was inspired in me by my teachers: Samiha miss, Fyruz sir, and Rayhan sir. I'd always hesitate to ask questions in class, fearing how my questions would be perceived. I also had questions about things that were not bound to any subjects, and it wasn't until these teachers had made me feel comfortable that I was finally able to speak my mind in a classroom without hesitation. Their encouragement and support in and outside the classroom made it possible for me to ask for advice when needed and think out loud. It was always so much more than just studies. They made learning enjoyable, and the most important thing they taught me is that learning should never be limited to the four white walls of a classroom.

Aquib Sharif, undergraduate student, Edinburgh Napier University

I didn't do as well as I'd wanted to in high school. The grades I had come to no help in my university applications, but I managed to pave a way for myself with foundation courses. This is where I had my accounting instructor Joseph come in and build back the confidence I'd lost back in school. A lot of teachers back then had a lot to say as to why I didn't perform as well, but it was Joseph who really made a difference. He never made me feel like I was inherently incapable of something. I was shown that I could do absolutely anything if I put the work in. My grades now reflect the hard work I put in and the support he'd given me. I think this shows how much a student can truly excel when the teacher is focused on actually helping a learner rather than being focused on finishing the syllabus at hand.

Srijon Sarker, undergraduate student, North South University

Chemistry had always been a difficult subject for me during my school years. Being 16 and made to believe something was far beyond my mental capacity by almost everyone had an effect on my self-esteem. But then I got out with an A* in chemistry during my O levels, and it would not have been possible without the guidance of my chemistry teacher. I would like to express my deepest gratitude for my chemistry teacher, who remains to be one of the most inspiring people in my academic journey. The lessons he's taught me, both in my personal life and in the classroom, continue to shape how I approach everyday challenges even today. He was not a conventional teacher and always took a psychological approach to teaching, even when it came to chemistry, but that is what made him look beyond my supposed shortcomings. It is this lesson in particular that has been the most invaluable to me, a gift I have come to cherish.

Ahmed Reyasat Newaz, photographer, United States

Some of the people who have had the most influence on my creative pursuits were teachers who had not taught me any of the skills I now use for my work. They were teachers who taught me subjects like mathematics or science. The man with the most contribution is my tutor during high school, Nahian Kabir, who was both a terrific mentor and like an elder brother to me. He'd always remind me to focus on what is in front of me, and looking back, that really was the quickest system to get things done. Just like this, he'd always instil mindsets in me that would eventually help me stay focused on my passion and pursue my highest ambitions relentlessly. It's funny how I barely remember any of the countless formulas and equations he's taught me over those years, but thankfully I remember the ones that truly mattered.

On this Teachers' Day, we thank the ones who truly shaped our lives, our teachers.