Submitted By: S. Jonathan Nimal
Home is the place where I find the greatest things and have developed the foundation of my life. In my early years of growth I had two homes. One of these “homes” was my parents’ house; it was here where I lived was nurtured. The other home, which I consider to be my school, was a place where I loved and enjoyed staying at. From morning till evening I was in school, but I loved it and thought of it as another home where I was nurtured, loved and disciplined. My teachers at school became my extended family; they were like “fathers” and “mothers” to me. Although today it has been roughly 20 years since I left my school, every time I visit my hometown, I still visit my teachers and spend time with them, for they were the other “moms” and “dads” in my life. At school, my teachers taught me various subjects, and the knowledge they passed down to me were truths which became the foundation of my life. On that foundation, I stand and look at the “Promised Land” and journey towards it.
Allow me to provide you with a glimpse of the foundation I developed in school and how it has brought me thus far.
English – The language of the world opened my eyes to see and know the world in a better way.
Language – Understanding and learning a language of my forefathers helped me understand the richness of the culture in which I grew in. It shaped my heart to value and honor every culture I come across.
Math – Despite the common dislike for the subject, I enjoyed math, primarily because math sharpened my brain, taught me to save money, and helped me serve the needy.
Physics & Chemistry – Machines and chemical reactions taught me the inner truths that our emotions are like reactions and don’t live and run like a machine.
Botany & Zoology – During school, I never thought that I was going to master in this field in the future, but I ended up pursuing it. These subjects give me glimpses of God’s creations, and it still surprises me when I look through the microscope.
History – Life is full of history! History took me to the past, and allows me to value and honor the generations of my forefathers and receive their blessings.
Geography – This subject is where I learned the landscape and the value of space. I created space in my heart and taught me to value other people’s space. Space is a place where my thoughts are processed and proceed to the development of a better world.
General Knowledge – I enjoyed knowing many things that occurred around the world. It created a global heart inside of me. My prospects and vision from that time on was to dream serving, building, and empowering people globally.
Sports – The sport I enjoyed playing most is soccer. I was always the goal keeper. It shaped my inner journey to defend and care the people I love and share my life. Soccer thought me to defend for the right cause and to protect the needy and poor.
Creative Art – Everytime I fall in love with this. My art teacher taught me many fine skills that I needed to master in my fingers. I often wondered “How this is going to help me?”, but, despite my doubts, it did help me! These skills became the foundation for me to pursue my science career in which I received a higher award in my undergraduate program for my skills in the lab and in the field, both of which require the frequent use of fingers.
Faith – It shaped the inner truths of knowing my God and allowed me to respect other peoples’ faith and live in Shalom.
In conclusion, for all those who brought me thus far, I thank every single teacher who became my fathers and mothers in my life.
-S. Jonathan Nimal
