A teacher learnt to become a wise and compassionate educator the hard way, by making many mistakes.

Here is one of them:

He was Principal of a school when a lad came to say he wanted to leave for another school.

"Why, son? What’s wrong? What makes you unhappy? Your marks are good."

"Nothing’s wrong, sir. I just want to leave."

"Is it the teachers? Is there any teacher you do not like?"

"No, sir. It isn’t the teachers."

"Is it the other students? Have you had fight with someone?"

"No. It’s nothing like that."

"Is it the fees? Are those too high?"

"No, sir. It isn’t that either."

The Principal then paused for a long while, confident that by his silence he would get the lad speak. Suddenly the boy was wiping tears from his eyes. The Principal knew he had won. In his softest, most understanding tone he said, "You’re crying because something is bothering you, aren’t you?"

The boy nodded.

"Well, then, tell me why you are crying."

The boy looked straight at the Principal and said.

"Because you are asking me all these questions."

(~ Anthony De Mello)