On Meeting a Mentor in Life

On Meeting a Mentor in Life

One of the things I’m most grateful for in my work as an art teacher at SchoolNova is the opportunity to meet truly inspiring people—people I can look up to as mentors in both teaching and in life.

Among them is a fellow art teacher whose classroom I pass by every morning. Each time, I catch a glimpse of her warmly gazing at her students, her eyes filled with patience, affection, and genuine care. Just seeing her gives me a sense of calm and motivation. It’s a kind of quiet encouragement that says, “This is what teaching with love looks like.”

She never needed to say, “I love art.” I could feel it in everything she did. The way she prepared her lessons, the thoughtful arrangement of her classroom, the gentle yet passionate way she guided her students—it was all a reflection of someone who deeply loved what she did and the subject she taught. It was clear that she didn’t just teach art—she lived it. And being able to work alongside someone with that kind of shared passion has been such a gift.

That’s why I felt a deep sadness when I learned that she would be moving to another location and would no longer be teaching in the same space as I do. Of course, we can still stay in touch, but I’ll miss seeing her day to day—her dedication, her energy, and the way she embraced every student and exhibition with so much heart. I’ve said goodbye to wonderful colleagues before, but this time feels a little heavier.

Still, I remind myself how lucky I am to have met her in the first place. Not everyone gets to meet someone who inspires them just by being themselves. And what’s more, meeting someone like her reminds me of the kind of teacher—and person—I want to be. I want to be someone who radiates good energy through my passion, someone who uplifts others just by doing what I love with sincerity and joy.

Living with passion, and meeting others who do the same, is one of life’s most moving and meaningful experiences. These people may come and go, but their presence lingers. The impact they leave behind becomes part of who we are.

And so, as I continue my journey as a teacher and artist, I carry her influence with me—and hope that one day, I can be that source of quiet inspiration for someone else too.