We all had that one teacher that we aspire to be like when we grow up, who motivates us to be the best.
Wisdom Mhlanga has been teaching English and life skills for a year. He said he has always loved languages and that made it easy for him to decide on the subject to specialise in.
The 25-year-old Krugersdorper believes that teaching chose him as he was awarded a full bursary after completing his matric, and studied at Wits University in Johannesburg. He teaches Grade 4 to 8 learners in a school in Muldersdrift.
“I am my own motivator because growing up poor inspired me to study hard and be a better person in life. I also had to be a parent to my brother (who is almost my age),” said Wisdom.
As a young educator, the law degree graduate regards the leaders of the school as a challenge as they think that young people his age cannot make wise decisions and lack innovation. In his spare time, he is either studying towards his post-graduate degree or playing in a band. He would love to pursue music but he is doing it for fun for now. In 10 years’ time he sees himself owning a company as an advocate. He would like to leave a legacy. Mhlanga says that (young) people who want to become educators should get into teaching for the love of it and of people, “Because if you are in it for the money, you will not last, because teaching is not child’s play.”
Wisdom believes that the best thing about educating is the fact that you are capable of shaping someone’s life.
“The thought of having someone’s education in your hands, inspiring without even knowing it, and knowing that whether that person turns out for better or worse, you played a role in that life, is a tremendous responsibility.”
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