The Day I Clashed with My Favorite Student

The title says it all. I have a favorite student.

This may not come up as much of a surprise. I believe all teachers will always have a liking over certain students over the others. But this student… This one student has the power to rekindle my happiness even in the gloomiest of days with a smile.

Of course, along with favoritism is bias. This student receives my hello’s when the others gets a nod. This student always gets answers to queries and of course, is the center of all my stories whenever I hangout with my friends.

But this day delivered a dilemma. It will always irritate me whenever students have the nerve to talk extensively in my class and this child did exactly that. I tried pointing my laser continuously as a warning but the conversation still went on. I went near them while discussing but somehow, it is like this person is begging to be called out. In this moment, I can only think to myself: “Will this be the day that I reprimand this person!? But if I do, I may never be the favorite teacher!” I took a deep breath, forcing a surge of bravery to rush through my veins and in my usual powerful voice that indicates misbehavior, I exclaimed “You all know that I really don’t appreciate talking while I’m discussing in front.” while my eyes were locked with that child’s eyes. It was now a staring contest where the first person who looked away lost and almost immediately, my favorite student veered away from my stare.

And in that moment of silence that shot through the room, my heart broke into a million pieces. They certainly stopped talking but what’s left is this eerie feeling that this person hates me now.

But as class ended and I got my bags, I heard a familiar voice at my side. “Sorry Sir Ken, I will try my best to not talk in class anymore.” I looked back and I saw that smile that has brightened so many days. As much as I wanted to embrace this child and scream “It’s okay! All is forgiven!”, I gave that student a nod and proceeded to the next section.

As a child, I never understood when my parents told me that they only reprimanded me because they love me. I clearly understand that now. In any form and in any way, favorite student or not, my heart will only strive to seek for the best interest of these children.