school stuff

It's almost the end of grad college, and I've been thinking of school. haha...no connection.

My most special school time memory is from when I was in the 12th standard. It was almost the end of school. We had assembled in the audi to practice for the candle light ceremony. And a lot of people were getting teary. I, on the other hand, was sobbing. It had nothing to do with the fact that school life was coming to an end. I had misplaced a friend’s diary (the one in which everyone writes stuff about you and sticks pictures and says ‘don’t ever change’ and ‘friends forever’…an invaluable possession!). There was some confusion about who was supposed to have had it last, and it so happened that I was the culprit. And though logically, it was my friend who should’ve been distraught, it was I who broke down under self-blame, shame and guilt. I felt like the sickest, most irresponsible person alive. Hence the sobbing. In school (and even now) I was hardly the kind of person who’d cry in public, much less in front of the entire school.
One of my teachers, Mrs. A, saw me crying and called me over. When everyone left, she asked me what the matter was. She looked so worried, perhaps expecting me to come out with a life-threatening secret ;) Telling her what really was the matter made me feel a tad bit silly. But she was super sweet about it. She gave me a hug and told me it was okay and that such things happen. Come to think of it, it wasn’t such a big deal, this gesture. But somehow, it’s etched in my mind as an unforgettable moment. I have been in awe of Mrs. A all my life. She is one person I, and mosta my friends, aspire to be like. She’s the reason I’m doing what I’m doing. And she also came across as this highly no-nonsense person. So a hug from her was a Big deal. But it wasn’t just that. I was overwhelmed coz she cared enough to ask. I felt so loved at that moment. Another teacher (also a fab person and great teacher) also asked what was wrong. I felt kinda guilty to have got all this attention after committing an almost-crime. But hey! I deserved a lil pep-up before I left school, and I have always got more than I deserved! :)