Awodiji Elijah: Honouring Inspirational Teachers

A Heartfelt Tribute to Mrs Toyin Adegboro from Awodiji Elijah, Student, Tomia Community Senior Secondary School.

Written by Awodiji Elijah

Observing Mrs Adegboro handle challenging situations with calmness, even when students were unruly or disrespectful, taught me the power of tolerance.

She never raised her voice, yet earned respect through consistency and kindness.

Inspired by her example, I began to model my behaviour after hers,

learning to think before responding and approaching difficulties with a clear mind rather than frustration.

She didn’t just prepare me for tests; she prepared me for life.

Awodiji Elijah: Honouring Inspirational Teachers

My educational journey through Tomia Community Senior Secondary School in Alagbado, Lagos, Nigeria, has been marked by challenges, triumphs, and remarkable growth.

Notably, one individual has had a profound impact on me: Mrs. Adegboro, my class teacher.

She is more than just an educator – she’s a coach, mentor, and pillar of support.

Through her patient dedication, I, Awodiji Elijah, a student currently in S.S 2, have transformed from a struggling student into someone who not only keeps up but excels in my examinations.

Mrs. Adegboro’s influence has extended beyond academics, reshaping my identity.

When I first entered her class, I doubted my abilities.

I struggled to keep up with my peers, often finding it hard to grasp concepts as quickly as they did.

This frustration left me feeling inadequate.

My assignments were rarely completed to a satisfactory standard, and my lack of focus was evident in my behaviour.

I would often act out, not because I enjoyed causing trouble, but because I felt lost and uncertain about navigating my school life.

It seemed like no one understood me – or worse, that no one cared to try.

Yet, Mrs. Adegboro stood out.

Awodiji Elijah: Honouring Inspirational Teachers

She didn’t just see a struggling student; she saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet discovered.

One day, after class, when she called me to the staff room and asked, with a warm smile, ‘Elijah, what’s going on with you?’

I was taken aback. No educator had ever shown genuine interest in my well-being or struggles.

She listened attentively as I stumbled through explanations,

and instead of dismissing me, she reassured me that it was okay to struggle and that I could overcome it.

“Being slow now doesn’t mean you’ll always be slow,” she said. “What matters is that you’re willing to try.”

From that moment on, Mrs. Adegboro became more than just my teacher; she was someone who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.

She went above and beyond, offering extra help and staying after school to ensure I grasped concepts that had eluded me in class.

Whether reviewing Writing in English or encouraging me to read more widely, she never gave up on me.

Gradually, I began to see improvements.

I no longer feared understanding tasks or participating in class discussions.

And I became eager to share my thoughts, even when unsure if they were correct.

One defining moment came when we studied ‘Julius Caesar’ by Shakespeare.

The language was difficult, and initially, I struggled to comprehend it.

However, Mrs Adegboro didn’t rush me or make me feel embarrassed for not understanding.

She sat with me, patiently breaking down the allegories and explaining the historical context, ensuring I grasped the text and appreciated its depth.

“This is more than just words on a page,” she’d say.

“It’s a story about power, treachery, and dependability. And you, Elijah, are capable of understanding everything.”

As time passed, my confidence grew, and so did my passion for writing.

I began to immerse myself in my work, and my grades improved significantly.

Mrs Adegboro’s feedback was consistently helpful and empowering, making me feel capable of achieving more.

Moreover, her influence extended beyond academics.

She taught me the value of self-discipline, showing me how to approach challenges with resilience and poise.

Previously, I would react impulsively to situations, especially when feeling frustrated or misunderstood.

I was prone to outbursts and getting into unnecessary arguments or conflicts.

However, observing Mrs Adegboro handle challenging situations with calmness, even when students were unruly or disrespectful, taught me the power of tolerance.

She never raised her voice, yet earned respect through consistency and kindness.

Inspired by her example, I began to model my behaviour after hers,

learning to think before responding and approaching difficulties with a clear mind rather than frustration.

Towards the end of my most memorable year in her class, I had changed.

And I wasn’t just a quicker student; I had become a more confident and thoughtful learner.

I walked with greater assurance, spoke with clarity, and approached my studies with purpose.

Mrs Adegboro’s faith in me had ignited a fire within, burning brighter with each passing day.

Reflecting on my secondary school journey so far, I realize that my transformation isn’t novel to me—

it’s a demonstration of the power of education grounded in empathy and understanding.

Awodiji Elijah: Honouring Inspirational Teachers

Mrs. Adegboro taught me more than Writing in English; she taught me to believe in myself.

She showed me that education isn’t just about passing tests or memorizing facts;

it’s about discovering who you are, uncovering your potential, and striving to become your best self.

Proverbs 22:6 KJV

[6] Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it. https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.22.6.KJV

In today’s world, where education is often reduced to test scores and rigid curricula, we need to reimagine education.

We require a new social contract for learning, one prioritizing whole-person development.

Education should encompass more than academics; it should foster empathy, creativity, and individual strength.

Teachers like Mrs. Adegboro exemplify this approach. She didn’t just prepare me for tests; she prepared me for life.

As I continue through SS2, I carry Mrs Adegboro’s lessons with me—perseverance, resilience, and self-belief.

I hope that one day, all students will have teachers like her, someone who sees their true potential and helps them become who they’re meant to be.

Ultimately, education isn’t just about what you learn in school; it’s about how it shapes you as a person.

Also Read: Readers are Leaders: National Book Lovers Day, 2024! – Diademng (thediademng.org)

Awodiji Elijah: Honouring Inspirational Teachers

More About Teachers’ Day: World Teachers’ Day – Wikipedia