In this edition of My Teaching Life, we speak to an enthusiastic educator whose commitment exceeds lesson plans and classrooms. For this teacher, education is not just about delivering material, it is about shaping character, assisting options, and assisting young people discover instructions. Regardless of the difficulties within the system, their dedication stays rooted in the belief that every kid can prosper with the right support.
From navigating the emotional needs of supporting trainees beyond academics to facing the realities of an under-resourced system, their journey reflects both the sacrifices and the peaceful triumphes that define the classroom experience. Yet, what sticks out most is a deep sense of obligation, not simply to teach, but to direct, motivate, and assistance trainees discover their strengths in a world that often ignores them.
Temitope Kareem (TK): How did you end up being an instructor?
Adenike Oluwadamilola Ogungbo (AOO): I became a teacher because I like sharing understanding, concepts, and notifying people about what I know.
TK: What did you believe mentor would be like and how wrong were you?
AOO: I initially believed teaching was simply about educating the more youthful generation. However, I later realised it involves much more, experience, adjusting to existing trends, being subtle, constructing relationships, and enforcing discipline all play a vital role.
TK: Walk us through your side of the classroom. What does a typical day appear like for you?
AOO: I constantly feel fulfilled after every day, especially when I achieve my mentor goals. I enjoy an interactive classroom where students participate actively. It excites me when students read with confidence, finish their classwork, and attempt their homework. I likewise make it a point to value their development, although it can be discouraging when some students fail to complete their tasks.
TK: What is the hardest part of this task nobody talks about?
AOO: Mentor is extremely sacrificial. Lots of instructors support trainees with their own resources regardless of being underpaid. It is likewise emotionally demanding, as some trainees face hard household scenarios. Beyond mentor, there is the counselling element guiding trainees on career options, educational chances, and life top priorities.
TK: Tell us about the minute that changed how you teach forever.
AOO: I realised that an educated child is less likely to participate in destructive behaviour or become a societal problem. That understanding strengthened my dedication to teaching and made it something I hold really near to my heart.
TK: If you could go back to your first day as a teacher, what would you inform yourself?
AOO: I would tell myself that I am a true blessing to this country.
TK: Have you ever wanted to quit? What occurred? What made you remain?
AOO: Yes, I have thought about giving up, primarily due to the low wage. Nevertheless, I asked myself important concerns such as; who would I depend teach my own children? What example would I set for them? In the end, I selected to stay since the impact of mentor goes beyond financial benefits.
TK: What does the education system get fundamentally incorrect about instructors?
AOO: Educators, particularly those in classrooms, are not treated with the exact same worth as professionals in other sectors. In addition, students are not constantly effectively guided. Those who should be in technical schools stay in standard class, and students with sporting talents are not properly supported due to spaces in curriculum preparation and application.
TK: If you had five minutes with a policymaker, what would you state?
AOO: I would encourage them to make sure appropriate evaluation of students at the junior level to recognize their strengths. This would assist place them in appropriate locations of specialisation in senior school, permitting them to establish their abilities effectively.
TK: Has this job impacted your life outside the classroom?
AOO: Yes, favorably. It has actually shaped my character. I value order, discipline, and doing things correctly. I dislike disorganisation and encourage structured behaviour in every element of life.
TK: What’s the trainee story you’ll bring with you for the rest of your life?
AOO: A student as soon as informed me she was afraid of English Language and mentioned specific topics she battled with. I assured her and spent time teaching those locations utilizing previous questions. When she composed her JAMB, English became her second-highest rating. Today, she remains in the university. That moment stays very unique to me.
TK: What do you desire your trainees to bear in mind about you, twenty years from now?
AOO: I desire them to keep in mind that knowledge is power and education is the crucial to success. They should constantly intend higher, and if any of them becomes an instructor, I hope they will make an even greater effect than I have.
TK: In one sentence, how would you explain your teaching life?
AOO: My mentor life has been impactful, satisfying, and deeply gratifying.