Lessons in confidence and composure

H ave confidence in your abilities and skills, and you will achieve your best."

These were the words once spoken to me by my Junior School English Literature teacher, Harmeek ma’am. At the time, I was a shy, quiet girl who often blended into the background — too nervous to raise my hand or share my thoughts. I still remember how softly she said it, almost like a whisper meant only for me. Yet those words stayed with me. They weren't just advice; they were a gentle nudge that helped me take my first step out of silence and begin discovering the confidence hidden within me.

Watching her, I realised that true strength doesn't come from being perfect; it comes from being compassionate, honest, and never giving up. She was not just my teacher-she was a guiding star, someone who noticed me when I felt invisible and believed in me when I couldn't believe in myself.

What made her so special was her deep understanding of her students. She never judged us by our marks, nor did she compare us with one another. Instead, she looked for the spark in each child, even in those who doubted they had any. To her, every student was unique, and her belief in us often felt stronger than our own. That is why her words-*"Do your best in studies, perform well, and leave the rest in God's hands"*-became a source of courage during moments when I felt small.

Her classes were never ordinary. They were alive. When she taught poetry, her voice carried the rhythm of emotion, helping us feel the words rather than simply recite them. When she told stories, she connected them to our dreams, friendships and fears. Through her, literature became more than a subject-it became a way of understanding life. Even the noisiest students would fall silent when she spoke, not out of fear, but because her words touched our hearts.

Slowly, her encouragement began to change me. She pushed me-gently but firmly-to take small steps: first a class recitation, then a debate, and later, a school competition. Each time I hesitated, she reminded me that courage isn't about not being afraid, but about acting despite fear. And when I did, she celebrated my efforts, no matter how small, making me feel I had achieved something truly meaningful.

The greatest turning point came when she nominated me to represent our class in the school council. I wasn't confident at all. But she looked at me with her reassuring smile and said, *"Nothing is impossible for you. You deserve it, and you can do it even better than you imagine."* Those words gave me strength I never knew I had.

With her constant support, I blossomed from a timid girl into someone who could lead with confidence. Eventually, I was chosen as the Head Girl of Junior School-a role I had once thought impossible for someone like me.

What inspired me most, however, was not just what she taught, but how she lived. She carried herself with grace, patience and kindness. She radiated positivity.

Looking back now, I feel deeply grateful. Harmeek ma’am gave me more than English lessons-she gave me courage, hope and the belief that my voice mattered. Whenever I face challenges today, I still hear her voice urging me not to give up. Whenever I doubt myself, I remember the way she believed in me, even in my silence.

A teacher like her is a light in the dark,

Jewel Mary Nikson, VI, St Joseph's Convent School, Jalandhar