"Coffee in one hand, confidence in the other." This phrase perfectly captures the allure of coffee. It's a beverage that inspires, energizes, and connects people. I decided to explore the reasons why people love coffee by asking a few friends. Their responses were varied but all centred around the positive effects of coffee.
One friend shared that coffee helped them overcome tiredness and feel more focused and refreshed. Another friend discovered a love for coffee's aroma and caffeine which made them feel new and good. For another, coffee has been a constant companion since childhood, and enjoys preparing it for others.
I sincerely acknowledge that I can't quite capture their exact expressions in words. But I can certainly relate. As a fellow coffee enthusiast, I know the feeling of missing a vital part of my day when I don't have my morning cup. It's like missing a close companion. Sometimes, life's experiences make us question our encounters with others. We might wonder, 'Why did I meet this person?' or 'Why didn't I meet them sooner?'" Yes, friends I also have some common phenomena same like you to share.
In the academic year 2023-2024, there were two special heroes Anmol Dahayat and Riyansh Gupta who were famous for getting zeros in the examinations. To help them succeed, I appointed them as class monitors, sought their assistance, praised them publicly, offered them opportunities to participate in school events, highlighted their achievements, and provided positive feedback to their parents. They became the centre of my attention, receiving my love, care, concern, and undivided focus.
On November 25, 2023, Holy Cross Convent Senior Secondary School organized a "School Fete" to raise funds for the poor. Each class was required to set up a stall, and as the class teacher, I selected a group of ten students, including those two heroes Anmol Dahayat and Riyansh Gupta, to manage a food stall. The students' initiative and hard work were commendable, and their parents expressed their appreciation. Our efforts were rewarded with two second-place prizes: one for discipline and cleanliness, and the other for significant fundraising at the primary level. This experience had a positive impact on all the students, particularly the two struggling students. They gained confidence, improved their academic performance, and were promoted to the next grade. I am grateful for the opportunity and thanked God for blessing me with the quality of coffee to accompany these students on their journey of growth and development.
In August 2024, a new student named Anirudh Kumar Sinha joined my fourth-grade class. Although he was of Indian origin, he had been born and raised in Ethiopia. Anirudh quickly adapted to my teaching style and seemed content. Since he joined the class late, I took it upon myself to teach him cursive writing personally. One day, Anirudh approached me with a question: "Sister, please don't misunderstand me, but why do you look so angry when you enter the classroom? You are so nice otherwise."
His honesty made me reflect on my own behaviour. I explained that I often wore a mask of temporary anger to manage the class. To my surprise, he was pleased with my explanation. However, it made me question myself Why did I feel the need to wear a mask? Couldn't I be smiling and loving all the time? His insightful question prompted me to re-evaluate my approach and entrance to the classroom are turned with a more positive and loving attitude. This nine-year-old boy became a coffee of awareness. I am grateful to him for opening my eyes to a new perspective.
Life provides opportunities for us to develop the qualities of coffee and be a cup of coffee to those in need. Let us be a source of warmth, comfort, and inspiration for others. Let us also appreciate the coffee that others bring into our lives, for it can enrich our experiences and make life more meaningful.
Sr.Prince Elizabeth SAVARIYAR
India