Journey from fear to faith

While every teacher I've had has contributed uniquely to my learning journey, each leaving their own mark. Their passion for teaching, unwavering belief in my potential and ability to make even the toughest topics engaging left a lasting impression on me. They didn't just teach the subject - they shaped the way I think, learn and approach challenges.

Every student has that one teacher who leaves an imprint so deep that it becomes part of who they are. For me, that teacher was Sugandha Ma'am, my Mathematics teacher in Class IX. She is the reason I look back on that year not just as a chapter of equations and theorems, but as a turning point in my journey.

Mathematics is often seen as intimidating, even frightening. But in her classroom, fear gave way to comfort and anxiety turned into curiosity. From the very first lesson, she built an atmosphere where every student felt valued. She never allowed anyone to feel small-whether you answered right away or hesitated, she made sure you left her class feeling capable. For me, that was life-changing.

What truly set her apart was not just her teaching, but her understanding nature. She noticed when a student was struggling, not just with numbers but with confidence. And she always knew the right words to bring back hope. With her, I felt a sense of comfort I had never experienced before with any teacher. She wasn't just explaining Maths-she was showing me that learning can be joyful, safe and deeply empowering.

Beyond her teaching methods, she had the rare ability to inspire. She constantly motivated me to aim higher, to push beyond my limits and to never settle for "good enough." Her belief in me became the fuel for my own belief in myself. It is because of her encouragement that I began to see myself not just as a student, but as someone capable of achieving great heights.

In her class, we were more than students-we were individuals she genuinely cared for. She made everyone feel comfortable, breaking down the walls of fear that Maths often builds around students. And in that comfort, she planted the seeds of ambition and confidence.

Today, as I look ahead to new challenges, I know that the lessons she gave me extend far beyond Mathematics. She taught me patience when problems seemed unsolvable, resilience when answers didn't come easily and courage to stand tall in the face of failure. These are not just skills for school-they are lessons for life.

Teachers like her are rare. They don't just shape your understanding of a subject; they shape your understanding of yourself. For me, she will always remain the teacher who turned fear into faith and hesitation into hope. She didn't just inspire me-she transformed me.

And for that, I will forever be grateful.