THE POWER OF A TEACHER

When I tell people I studied Chemistry at Advanced level, I often hear,Oh, I hated Chemistry in Ordinary secondary school!And when I ask why, the immediate response is usually: I didn’t like my Teacher.Overtime, I discovered something interesting, most of the time, the issue isn’t really the Teacher; it’s the mindset.Just like the popular belief that mathematics is a difficult subject, many students already convinced themselves they can’t succeed before they even begin. That negative mindset becomes a wall that blocks learning. One beautiful truth I have discovered about teachers is that they are powerful, they are strong pillars and forces behind every success story. A great Teacher can open doors, spark curiosity, and turn confusion into confidence. But here’s another truth:Having a closed mindset can shut those same doors before the lesson even starts keeping you from discovering the treasure that education holdsHere’s the balance I have also learned from my own journey:When you love( or atleast engage with) your Teacher, you listen differently, ask better questions, and learn more deeply. That connection often turns struggle into success. But sometimes, the problem isn’t just the teacher. It’s the student’s mindset. If you start with “I can’t ” or “I won’t “, even the best lessons will feel heavy.So how do we make education work for everyone?Two simple powerful steps:For students: stay curious, ask help, and try new ways of learning before giving up.For teachers: teach with empathy, create space for questions, and remember, a kind word can change a student’s entire story.Teachers and learners are partners in progress. When both come ready with patience, respect, and curiosity, that’s when quality education truly happens.

NYUKU EPHRAIM NYOMBE