A heartfelt goodbye
Fathima Binsiya M
I had planned to go home a week before the Pongal vacation. The day before my departure was hectic, both at school and at home. Since I often found it difficult to engage with my students’ little moments during class hours, I often visited them during snack breaks. Today, I visited not just to see them, but to say bye to my dearest students.
As I walked through the corridor toward my class, I reflected on how being a class teacher is a great responsibility. At home, I have only my daughter to take care of, but at school, I have 21 students—each with their own stories, joys, and concerns. I have to nurture them, guide them, solve their problems, scold them when necessary, and learn from them.
It was the evening snack break when I entered the classroom. The moment they saw me, the kids surrounded me—some with complaints, some for a fun chat, and some to share their snacks. I took a small bite from each snack box they offered.
Then, I noticed a snack box with a note on top: “Share with your friends.” Seeing this, I felt a sudden excitement and asked, “Whose box is this?”
Aneesh stepped forward and said, “It’s mine.” “Who wrote this?” I asked.
“My mother sent this during lunch time.”
In that chaotic yet heartwarming moment, this small gesture felt special. Currently, I’m teaching them about food waste and ways to reduce it. Sharing with others is one of the methods we had discussed. I truly believe that rather than repeating lessons a hundred times, these small, experiences shape young minds. They teach the values of love, care, and compassion in ways that words alone cannot. Some lessons in life we may memorize, but their true meaning only becomes clear when we live them—and that is when real change happens.
Fathima Binsiya M is an educator from Malappuram, Kerala. Currently, she is working as a teacher of Global Perspectives at Aimee International School in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. She can be reached at mfbinsiya1@gmail.com.
