The teacher who sparked belief

Among all the educators I’ve learnt from, one stands out above the rest: the teacher who not only taught me but transformed my perspective on learning and life. That extraordinary teacher was my English teacher in Class VII — Seema Mishra. At first glance, she seemed ordinary, with a gentle demeanour, a warm smile and a quiet presence in the classroom. But beneath that calm exterior was a remarkable educator who brought literature to life and wove its lessons into our real-world experiences.

She encouraged us to question, to dig beneath the surface and to find depth in texts we once found boring or irrelevant. What truly set her apart, however, was her ability to instil confidence in her students. I remember nervously introducing myself on the first day of school. Rather than pointing out my hesitation, she gently said, “Your ideas seem to be fantabulous — let us acknowledge them with your sweet voice.” That single line shifted my relationship with public speaking and planted the seed of self-belief.

Beyond academics, Mishra ma’am imparted quiet yet profound lessons in character. Her patience, fairness, and humility showed that true greatness lies in compassion, not authority. Her guidance was like homeopathy — not just addressing surface problems, but nurturing the entire person. Even years later, her influence remains with me. She didn’t just teach English — she inspired me to believe in myself. I will be forever grateful to her.

Khanak, Class VIII, Infant Jesus Convent School, Mohali