Her nervous smile and anxious disposition said it all. It was her first flight, as a flight attendant, as I flew home from Chicago. She apologized profusely as passengers asked her basic questions. The teacher in me reassured her for a job well done. As she depressurized the chamber to let us off the plane, I could sense the pressure release in her psyche.
I couldn’t help but smile as I headed home. I recalled my first day teaching my first class. I don’t remember much of what I said, but I vividly recollect clutching the lectern till my knuckles were white. I was in survival mode. Today, after more than 30 years in the classroom, day one is still traumatically special.
We all have our first day at trying something new. A touch of patience, sprinkled with humor and a kind word, goes a long way in helping start our new journey. Most of us are seasoned professionals, yet we can encourage and rally the new talent that is on the verge of greatness.
About Hemant Rustogi