I have had the calling to be a teacher ever since I can remember and I played teacher more that I played house; I was a teacher for my friends through school. After that, I was a TA at college, I started out as a college professor even before I graduated from my Bachelors degree. I have been a professor at the Universidad Javeriana Graduate School for almost seven years and I am still at awe over everything this experience has brought into my life, so many lessons learned that I am breathless every time I think of the faces of my students, with their names written in front of me, their questioning eyes, their comments, their doubts, their concerns, but above all, their presence in my life. Feeling how they have become a part of me and they are going to live in my heart forever: they became my teachers, my friends… life has been so generous!
All my life, I have felt the judgment and the urge to “protect” myself, hiding to avoid more judgment and criticism; this has created walls built by the fear and the pain, and that made me create the image of a “witch” toward my students, until their generosity let them see the twinkle in my eyes, the sincerity of my smile and they came to embrace my soul. I thank them for being so patient and for knowing how to discover me once and again.
My heresy is that we hurt ourselves even more by protecting ourselves. Our idea of protection is a layer of selfishness that will not allow us to share the most beautiful thing we have: our own essence. My heresy is that we should stand before the Universe with our soul exposed and offer our being with generosity: our brother and sister souls will come to us and we will receive the fascination of infinite love, acceptance, true friendship.
I cannot help but smile when I think of them. We went out to eat a couple of days ago and I had a conversation I would have never dreamed of with them; we embraced each others’ souls, laughed, smiled and cried. They spoke to me using words that only true friends use. They questioned me like only love can question. They embraced my essence and there were no spaces between us. We were already a cosmic amalgamation that, regardless of the paths our lives may follow, will remain a part of our lives. I am fascinated by this gift from the Universe. I love them deeply and thank them for each moment shared. These students, others, that I might never seen again, those who passed through my life many years ago and have never come around again, all the beautiful souls, thank you for making me grow. I will say it again; I love you from the bottom of my heart and with all my insanity!
Here is a video that they, the ones from the dinner, will understand …
