Learning Life in German Class

It’s been about a decade and a half since I finished school. Career, family, hobbies – that’s how life’s spinning fast. As I stepped into the first day of German class, there I became a student – memories rewound!

Smiles, laughter, fun, learnings together. We are little kids again!

Pencil and eraser are our buddies again. Sharpening left overs are now our floral patterns. Too lazy to walk to the dustbin at times – reminds us of the days in school with cleaning duties for the day. Table scribblings have thousand stories to tell bringing back the lost smile!

School intervals replaced by coffee breaks. Chatterbox us – that’s never changed. “Ma’am, May I go to the toilet” are missed but just a walk away – am I rude?

“Miss and Ma’am” replaced by “Pooja and Anitha” – corporate training – we smile. “Exam pattern, important questions, syllabus, dates and last minute study” – the palpitations of the heart as good as just before our board exams. The last few weeks brought back the little kids in us. What else did we learn other than German?

Reason of pencils turning shorter day by day that my daughter gives bring back the lost smile.

Exam fear for kids – “Do I need to reassure her that it’s normal not to feel normal before the exam?” what else could a mother offer in this competitive world.

“Do I need to remind that numbers remain numbers on paper but what you learn is what remains with you?” as I tell myself just the day before my exam?

“Do I need to shout out to the world – to the younger generation that the board exams are just another passing clouds and do not end your life imagining your future is lost?” – pity to see many ending their lives even before beginning their lives!

“Do I need to remind – enjoy every moment and smile” as the lost days never return?

“Do I need to signal not to live a rat race and kill the little child within us?”

Not sure how much I progressed in learning German but the last few weeks has truly made me look back the little girl within me. Smiles, laughter, friendship would not be forgotten. Learning life from my German class was a much needed break from the hustle bustle!