Dear Women & Teachers, When Did You Last Allow Yourself to be a Student?
When did you last learn something new without worrying about your age, position or experience?
Women spend much of their lives teaching others. A mother guides her children. A homemaker passes on values and practical wisdom. A senior employee supports younger colleagues. A professional trains her team. She gradually becomes the person everyone approaches for answers. Yet, while becoming everyone’s informal teacher, they may stop giving themselves permission to learn, ask basic questions or begin again.
But while she teaches everyone, who is helping her learn?
Teacher’s Day usually reminds us to honour our teachers. But it can also remind us to protect the student within ourselves & also the willingness to remain a learner throughout life. The best teachers, trainers and mentors never stop learning.
The modern workplace uses the concept of “Train the Trainer.” Even an experienced trainer must regularly update her knowledge, skills and methods before guiding others. Experience brings wisdom. But it does not mean that a woman must always have every answer.
The example of Gargi Vachaknavi in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad also celebrates intellectual curiosity. Gargi is remembered not only for her knowledge, but also for confidently asking profound questions in a learned assembly.
Asking questions does not reduce credibility. It reflects curiosity and confidence.
Returning to Learning After a Break
● A woman returning to education or work after a long break may need to update her skills, a career or education break does not erase earlier knowledge or ability.
● A mother may learn to use a new app or changing social trends from her child.
● A senior professional may discover that a younger colleague understands a new system better. Receiving guidance in such moments does not reduce her experience. It adds to it.
Become a Beginner for Twenty Minutes
Choose one skill you have been postponing. Give it twenty minutes each day. It may be a digital tool, a language, a professional update or a creative interest.
Small and regular learning feels less overwhelming. It also rebuilds confidence.
Learn from Someone Younger
Ask your child, junior colleague or younger relative to teach you one useful thing. Listen without feeling embarrassed or repeatedly explaining how things were done earlier.
Knowledge can flow in both directions. Such learning creates mutual respect across generations.
Allow yourself to become a beginner again
● Ask one question you have been hesitating to ask.
● Identify one professional skill that needs updating.
● Find a mentor, learning partner or supportive group.
● Seek a short learning conversation.
Find a Mentor
Mentors are not needed only at the beginning of a career. Even experienced women may need fresh guidance. Identify someone whose knowledge can support your next stage. Professional guidance may be helpful during major transitions.
Ask one clear question. Allow yourself to learn, relearn and even unlearn what no longer serves you.
This Teacher’s Day, celebrate the teachers who shaped you. But also honour the learner within you & your willingness to remain teachable.
A gentle reminder: Honour the teacher you have become, but never forget the student within you—the one who remains curious, keeps learning and is always ready to begin again.
❖ Share your views, comments & thoughts with me on jyotsnaagbansal@gmail.com, if this article resonates with you.
*Jyotsnaa G Bansal is a Reiki Grandmaster, Numerologist, IKS Learner, Researcher, Corporate & Emotional Intelligence Trainer, Crystals Guide, Author, Counselor & Managing Editor (ASMITAA International IKS Magazine)