Bad Teachers: Brief And Brutal
Bad Teachers: Brief and Brutal
What constitutes a bad teacher? Is it someone who makes us feel inadequate? Someone who doesn’t believe in our potential? Someone who actively works against us in various ways—salacious gossipers, scandalous scoundrels, and manipulators—all combined to contradict the very essence of a teacher.
“A person who helps students acquire knowledge, competence, or virtue through the practice of teaching.”
The saying “some people are with you for a reason and some just for a season” feels fitting here.
I’ve had my share of bad teachers. Although their actions felt hurtful at the time, I later realised that, unconsciously, they had still given me something valuable.
To the guy who said, “Sometimes you’ve just got to jump on the bandwagon”—you were a twit, but you said this, and I’m grateful.
To the person who advised, “Outshine them all”—it was brief, just one coffee, but you said it, so thank you, mate.
To the man-child who told me, “I hate it when people feel proud of themselves”—in that moment, you opened my eyes to the reality that not everyone wants you to succeed, shine, or even be happy.
To the guy in banking who laughed in my face and said, “You don’t honestly think you can make money from doing that”—well, I can and I did. What he said gave me fuel to succeed.
To the family members who, on multiple occasions, told me to “close down your business” for various reasons, ranging from “your mental health” to “who do you think you are”—thank you, because it made me realise who I can and cannot trust.
Sometimes, bad people become our greatest teachers. Often, the people we can’t stand are the ones who make us pause to re-evaluate and reflect—time well spent, as it gives us valuable insights that propel us forward.
Some people are so manipulative and full of ego that they inadvertently offer tips to success without realising it. Sometimes, jealousy in others highlights where you are shining. So, turn up the dimmer switch and shine brighter! Watch them fall away like dominoes, one by one, leaving your life as you thank them for showing you what they never wanted you to see: how amazing you are.
“You’ve already won”—someone said this to me recently. Encouragers are the gems in this world; they are the enduring friends and partners.
Bad teachers come and go like the tide. Remember to take the lesson and observe the seminar—there’s something they don’t want you to know. ✨
Stephanie Mitchell
Boutique Business