The school community rejoiced as two sisters joined the staff for the first time in our 14-year history. One sister became the supervisor for the Primary section, and I, the second sister, took on the role of moderator for Value Education, responsible for classes V to X. As the new academic year began, the Secondary section teachers approached me with a heartfelt plea. “Sister, please consider taking as many classes as possible in IX C. The students there are facing serious challenges, and we feel ill-equipped to handle them for they seem beyond redemption.” Despite being an amateur in this field, my love for the children and youth drew me to this class, since I was brought up in the soil of Salesian Fathers whose commitment to the young had made a great impact on me.
As I entered the class, I smiled at the students, and one of them said, “Sister, you have a captivating smile.” “Thanks for the compliment,” I replied, “but let me tell you that you all deserve that smile.” Without wasting time, I began the class by sharing an experience from my school days.
“There was a class of 50 students, all very friendly and supportive,” I started. “But during lunchtime, I noticed one girl, Cicily, standing alone under a mango tree without eating. It puzzled me, and whenever I asked my friends about it, they said she was a proud girl and didn’t mix with others.” “But one day, I decided to take a chance and called her to the Music room for a friendly chat,” I continued. “As she opened up about her life, I couldn’t control my emotions. I offered her my lunch and told her that I would wait for her every noon in the same room for lunch.”
Sr Mariella CTC
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