An old man was sitting on a bench when a young man approached and asked:
— Do you remember me, professor?
The old man has replied :
– No I don’t remember.
So the young man said :
— I was your student.
Curious, the former professor asked:
– oh and what have you become? Whatcha doin right now
The young man smiled and replied :
— Well, I also became a teacher.
Surprise, the old man said :
— What a marvel! Just like me ?
— yes, just like you. Actually, I became a teacher because of you. You inspired me
The puzzled old man asked:
— And when did you decide to be a teacher?
The youngster started counting:
— One day, still at school, one of my classmates came to class with a beautiful, brand new watch. I wanted this watch so bad I decided to steal it. Shortly after, my colleague noticed the disappearance and complained to you.
you then tell us :
— A watch was stolen during class. Who took it please return it
I didn’t return it because I really wanted that watch. So you closed the door and asked us all to rise so you could search our pockets. But he did something special: he asked us to sleep.
When it was my turn, you found the watch in my pocket and took it away. He then kept scrolling others without saying a word. In the end you said :
— You can open your eyes. The watch has been found.
You never mentioned who took the watch. She never reprimanded me publicly or made any comment about it. That day was the most embarrassing, but also the most important day of my life.
With your silence, you saved my dignity. It was at that moment that I understood what it means to be a true educator and the value of a teacher.
The young man then asked :
— Do you remember that episode, Professor?
The old man replied, with a serene smile:
– I remember the stolen watch, I remember looking in everyone’s pockets… But i dont remember you Look closely, I also closed my eyes while searching.
And it is complete :
— If, in order to correct, you must humiliate, then you can’t teach.