Advice I've Gotten from My Teacher

Life Lessons I’ve Taken from My Teacher 

In celebration of National Teacher’s Month (happening from September 5 to October 5), I think it’s fitting for us to go back and relive the important lessons we’ve learned from our teachers. The conversations and guidance that have shaped and molded us to become the people we are today.

I know a lot of you will relate to this when I say I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the guidance of many of my teachers growing up. Who I am today, and the decision I’ve made along the way, we’re heavily influenced by the amazing educators who’ve molded and guided me throughout my years in grade school, high school, and college.

I’m lucky to have had amazing teachers in my life, some of which have turned into lifelong friends. Hopefully the positive life advice they’ve taught me can inspire you as well!

1. What you give is what you get 

Probably the most important thing my teachers taught me growing up is that the things you achieve in life are directly proportional to the effort you put in. I mean, you can’t expect to put 50% effort and get rewarded with an A, right? And this thinking applies to situations outside the classroom as well. If I wanted to achieve something, for example my new job, I knew I needed to put in the maximum effort so I would someday reap the rewards. 

2. Asking questions is the key to success

Growing up, I kind of found it bothersome how teachers would nag me to ask questions, but now I thank them for it. I realized an engaged student is one that tends to ask questions, while a disinterested one generally doesn’t. You see, we learn through questions and by piquing our curiosity, not by just accepting what is in front of us. So, if you have the opportunity to gain answers from someone knowledgeable about a topic, don’t be afraid to take it! You lose nothing by asking questions.

3. It’s okay to make mistakes 

We all make mistakes, in fact, that’s how we learn! Growing up, my teachers always reminded me that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as we use these as opportunities to learn! 

4. Don’t be afraid to be a beginner 

This is kind of related to the third piece of advice. It can be scary trying out something new, but you have to remember, no one starts as an expert at anything (okay maybe save for instances of beginner’s luck). When you try something for the first time, you’re probably going to fail at it and that’s part of the fun of it! Imagine how boring life would be if you excelled at everything you did. There would be no thrill or sense of satisfaction from accomplishing a task. So instead of beating myself up about failing at a new hobby, language, or skill, I use it as a challenge and push myself to see how far I can go with it. It’s really changed my mindset about the way I approach things in life!

5. Stand by your teammates

I had a teacher who always reminded me of the importance of teamwork. We don’t always get to choose our teammates, but we can control how we work with them. And the output of our work is related to how well we all work together. I may not always agree with my teammates, but the fact that we are a team and working towards the same goal should be enough reason for me to stand by them, no matter what. Know when you should constructively counteract your teammates’ ideas. Once you’ve agreed as a team on one, though, remember to stick by it no matter what. 

I could go on and on about the advice my teachers have left but for now I’ll leave you with five. I hope you find these useful no matter what stage you’re in right now!