On Teachers and Mentors: Beyond the Classroom

Teacher's Day, a reminder blinks on my phone. I spend a few moments reflecting on how we would celebrate our teachers in school, with acts of gratitude. We curated plays, poems and worked on handmade cards. The essence being, 'Thank you for this, this classroom and all that you do for us". I would have to contend that a lot of teachers had a difficult time putting up with us, as with all the other batches. They loved teaching us, nonetheless. I laugh about it as I write this.

I think about how I have found teachers and mentors in different capacities. Through this piece, I hold gratitude for the people I've crossed paths with, whose lives and stories I have learnt so much from.

My roommates, and the strangers who have become family. I notice how my first lessons outside of home, began with them. We taught each other how to cook, figure out the bills, hold space for the rough days, and learn to trust each other. With every year, I hold stories of a different family that I have come to experience with them. Our families and homes took on a new meaning. Your people, whoever this phrase reminds you of, have nurtured all that you have become today.

Managers. Through the one-on-one meetings and feedback sessions, they allowed me to firsthand witness what transformative leadership looks like. These individuals curate safe spaces for growth and foster our skills, allowing us to thrive. As I write out messages to them, I acknowledge how their sharing of stories and personal journeys, has helped me carve my own.

The internet, social media, and all the mentors I've chanced upon online. The internet has shaped my late teens and early adulthood. It allowed me to connect and meet virtually, people from so many paths different from my own. In the quiet recognition that we're all very same, all of us trying to find some part of ourselves, build relationships, seek something that keeps us going, in some capacity. Sharing knowledge, and seeking that, helps us discover new paths, cultivate interests. I'd thank the internet and the amazing communities I'm a part of, for that discovery.

Yourselves. I have learnt over the years, that I am trying to be my strongest supporter, a friend, and a safe space. This Teacher's Day, I thank myself too.

To learning, unlearning, relearning, always.

Manah Wellness is an employee engagement and wellbeing brand that provides innovative tools and professional support to businesses of all sizes. Founded by wellbeing experts and seasoned entrepreneurs, the company has an experienced team of psychologists and professionals who support individuals and teams with preventive, proactive, and personalized solutions for emotional and mental health, wellness, and professional growth. Manah empowers employees to track, assess, and understand their wellbeing, and how it changes over time. It also enables leaders to make more informed decisions with aggregated and anonymous data.

Manah has supported employees at more than 50 organizations with high levels of employee engagement, and positive feedback from employees on their improved wellbeing. Whether your goal is to lend wellness support to specific team members or to build a company culture that promotes emotional well-being, Manah Wellness has the virtual tools and expertise to support your journey. Get in touch with our team of qualified mental health professionals to discuss your organizational goals, and be part of a growing workplace wellbeing community with Manah."

Browse wellbeing services and knowledge resources to support wellbeing and growth at your workplace:

Wellbeing Ambassador Training Programme for Corporates

Wellbeing Challenges for high-performance teams

Wellbeing Assessments for employees

Employee Counseling and Therapy

Virtual onboarding best practices for 2022

Employee motivation strategies to maintain team morale