I was in the 8^th grade when this happened. It was our biology class and I used to be very good at it. I liked the subject, liked the way our teacher taught it to us. And I used to find it very easy. Our teacher used to give us great pointers as she taught the class which was very helpful to prepare for the tests. I was very good at taking notes and all my peers knew it. I scored the highest on the previous biology test and as a result was the top of my class.

It was time for the next biology test. Our teacher gave us good pointers for the test, she made us practice with pre-test samples. Each one of us was confident that we would score well, if we did our part – review the notes and pointers that our teacher gave us for the test.

Everything was good until two days before the test. I clearly remember, the test was scheduled for the Monday. And on the Friday before the test, I noticed that my biology note book where I took all my notes for the test was missing. I panicked thinking of the test and no material to prepare. I searched all over but in vain.  I reached out to my peers to help me search for the book, they looked around and none of us could locate it. I went to my biology teacher and my class teacher hoping they would help. They casually announced to everyone in the class to look around them and in their backpacks for the book, but it was nowhere. I was thinking to myself – “that’s it? Is that all you have to do to help me?” I was expecting a detective to come out of my teachers, a strong leader to stand by me, and somehow tactically figure out a way to get my book back to me.

I reconciled with the situation, accepted that I lost my book. Nevertheless, I prepared for the test and scored very well.

And then, the book magically appeared back in my backpack, the day after my test.  It was very obvious to me that this was an intentional act. This made me very angry at first, I was very mad at the person who did it. But I had no way to find out who did it. I approached my teachers again – explained what had happened and I expected a strong leadership this time as everything was so obvious and in front of our eyes. I felt the need that they had to step up and correct the kids. To my dismay, they did not do anything.  I was very disappointed in my teachers and everyone around me at that time. I felt betrayed.

This incident had a great impact on my thought process as I was growing up. As a kid, I used to ponder why my teachers did not help me. But now, whenever I think about this, one thing is very obvious to me – the teachers did not know how to solve this problem. They wanted to help me but they did not know how. They did not have the necessary Leadership skills. This experience emphasizes that leadership is an essential skill in all walks of like. I made a promise to myself that when someone approaches me with such a problem, I will not disappoint them. I consciously work towards building my strength, courage and leadership skills to overcome such situations.

Teachers have tremendous impact on kids. They are the first ones to bring out the leaders in them.

It is very important for parents and teachers to step up, and show kids how to handle difficult situations and provide them means to build their character, personality and leadership. Check this post which lists essential skills to teach kids.

How would you react to such a situation if you were in my shoes?

How would you handle such a situation If you were in my teachers shoes?