Williams-Samuel – motivated by love, inspiring young minds
Motivating, kindhearted, patient, helpful, friendly.
These are some of the adjectives used by students of the Emmanuel High School Mespo (EHSM) to describe the Best Teacher in St Vincent and the Grenadines, Aiesha Williams-Samuel.
Not only do her students sing her praises, but also her co-workers, even her principal.
âIt shows the calibre of the teachers at Emmanuel High School Mespo, their dedication and commitment to help to ensure that the school is successful with the various activities we are involved in. She is dedicated and committed and Iâm very excited about having her as the best teacher of St Vincent and the Grenadines,â said principal Curtis Greaves of Williams-Samuel.
Williams-Samuelâs celebrated her 10th anniversary as a teacher on September 18, 2017. She shared with SEARCHLIGHT her passion, dedication, and desire to make a difference in the lives of the students placed in her care.
Q: How did you get into teaching?
A: After I left Community College, I worked for a year. It wasnât a challenge and I didnât feel as if I was making a difference, so I decided to go to Teachersâ College. I saw it as a stepping stone at the time. As a teacher you learn at the same time and it keeps your brain active. I did my practice teaching at EHSM and for the new school year 2007, I was assigned to teach history. I completed a Bachelorâs in Languages and Literatures and am currently teaching English in Forms 4 and 5.
Q: What motivates you?
A: I love children and I believe each child deserves the opportunity to have someone who believes they can learn motivate them, love them and mentor them. My favourite thing about teaching is inspiring my students to be the best that they could be, not only in their academic life, but in their whole life.
Q: Are you involved in any extra-curricular activities?
A: During my time as a history teacher, I established a heritage club. We organized independence exhibitions and local food sales. In collaboration with the geography teacher, our club travelled to Barbados on educational tours in 2014 and 2015. I am also currently involved with the ISCF group. We are trying our best to uplift students in a positive way.
Q: What are some of your challenges?
A: The different personalities that students come with. Some are open and ready to learn and some, they have other things going on with them, so they act out. Thatâs one of the toughest things I have to deal with.
Q: How does it feel to be the best teacher of SVG?
A: When I was nominated for the award, it was a surprise. For students to go and vote and actually think of me while voting, it was a good feeling. When I was awarded best teacher, my co-workers shared in my excitement. They came together and gave me a card and made a little speech and I felt really, really special.
Q: What advice would you give to persons aspiring to join the profession?
A: Teaching is a profession I would encourage anyone to join. Most people might see the negative side: the long hours, taking home work after school, but there are rewards. You get to meet different children, you get to socialize them, because students spend a lot of time in school and you are one of the important persons in their lives. Sometimes as a teacher, you become a mother to some, you become a mentor, you become their friend, and in the long run, you get to see them grow into functioning adults in society. For me, thatâs the most rewarding part of being a teacher.
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