Ever Wonder Why You Still Do What You Love?

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By Suchitra Sairam

Ever have days you wonder why you do what you do, even when you love it?

I have one of those days every so often as a teacher. Teaching is a gift and responsibility. I experience so much satisfaction when students enjoy what they are doing, even when it’s hard. Their excitement when unlocking a new discovery or achievement boosts me.

It’s also exhausting at times.

I love teaching, but I’m human. I have days when:

😖 I get frustrated

😣 I wonder if what I do and teach matters

🙄 I’m annoyed if students aren’t giving their effort

😤 I get cranky when students come to class unprepared

Do they respect my time? My knowledge and skill? Am I being taken for granted?

And then something happens to remind me it all matters…

I got an email with great news from a former student moving forward in her professional journey. I’m delighted her next step takes her in the direction she had hoped.

She also shared a short essay she wrote about our journey together many years ago. Yes, I taught her dance. But all the content and context of the process gave it more meaning. Our journey together helped her forward in the following ways:

  • About embracing her cultural identity
  • Having confidence in someone before they have confidence in themselves
  • Understanding a patient’s background and values is as vital as the care itself
  • True connection, whether in the arts or medicine, is rooted in authenticity and empathy
  • Sharing her art with friends wasn’t isolating, but connected her more deeply with those around her

Those hard days when teaching exhausts me – I just have to remember I’m planting seeds for tall trees to grow and thrive over the years.