The Important Roles

 I am proudly an early childhood educator, or you can say, a preschool teacher. 

In my big family where no one has ever taken this job, my profession is often belittled. 

I do not really mind since I do not live in other words. 

I am content with what I do. I put all my heart into it. 

How rewarding it is, it's only me who can feel it. Yes, so I do not have any obligation to prove them wrong. They also do not have any obligation to understand my shoes. 

Let them be them. Let me be me. I just need to learn any negative comments maturely. 

I remember back then when I was a primary teacher, I encouraged my students to make a mini book. They wrote all the occupation they wanted to be when they grow up. They drew it in their cute version and learned many occupational vocabulary. My goal was originally only for them to learn vocabulary. That's all. However, they were the one who taught me a lot of things. I smiled while going through their mini books. Some of them mentioned astronaut, scientist, entrepreneur, teacher, but one of the most memorable occupation was the street cleaner. It was interesting, because we did not mention this occupation. I asked the boy, "Why do you choose this occupation?" He was only about 7 to 8 years old that time.

"Ah yes, Ms. I want to be a street cleaner. Because of them, our street is clean and they are very helpful", said the boy with a grin on his face. 

Hm. He was right. It sounds simple but it changes my whole perspective. I laughed when he stated a street cleaner as his dream occupation. Then I realized, I was like the others, belittled other's occupation. I started to see everything in a new light. Whatever someone does, no matter how much their payment, they play very important roles in our lives.

Our cleaning staff at school who help cleaning the building. 

The auntie who sells breakfast at the market to ease our morning rush. 

The online taxi driver who helps my commute every single day. 

The waiter at the restaurant who serves us and makes our celebration more meaningful. 

So many other occupations were very helpful and I met many of them who do their work wholeheartedly.

Since then, I learn a lot. I pay attention to everyone's talent. Each occupation needs different skills and I appreciate them more than ever. I am grateful that I had this turning point in my life to change my perspective. I am beyond grateful to every single person who has played important roles to run this world. Thank you my dear students. With them, I always discover new sight and learn many things.