A Serene Evening at Wilson's Wharf: Balancing Work and Serenity

Shady Abuyusuf

Mon, 25 Nov 2024

379

As a teacher trainer, I have been fortunate to experience a myriad of memorable moments in different corners of the world. One such memory etched in my mind is an evening spent at Wilson's Wharf in Durban, South Africa. Amidst the bustling city, this waterfront destination offered a tranquil escape that perfectly complemented the intensity of my work.

Picture this: the sun setting over the Indian Ocean, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, as I sat at a lovely restaurant by the waterfront. The gentle breeze carried the tantalizing aroma of seafood dishes being prepared nearby, creating an ambiance of serenity and contentment.

But amidst the idyllic setting, my mind was occupied with the task at hand – designing an input session on using drama activities for teaching English. I was in Durban to deliver a CELTA course, a rigorous training program for aspiring English language teachers. Balancing work and leisure is an essential skill for any educator, and Wilson's Wharf provided the perfect backdrop for this delicate equilibrium.

As I savoured each bite of my delicious seafood dinner, I couldn't help but reflect on the parallels between my surroundings and the teaching methodologies I was preparing to impart. Just as the ocean ebbed and flowed with a rhythm of its own, effective teaching requires a dynamic interplay of different approaches and techniques. Drama activities, in particular, offer a creative and engaging way to enhance language learning, allowing students to immerse themselves in real-life scenarios and express themselves with confidence.

The gentle lapping of the waves against the pier served as a soothing soundtrack to my thoughts, inspiring me to infuse my training session with the same sense of calm and fluidity. Just as the ocean adapts to the changing tides, a successful teacher must be flexible and responsive to the evolving needs of their students.

As the evening wore on and the stars emerged in the night sky, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to combine my passion for teaching with moments of tranquility and inspiration. Wilson's Wharf may have been a temporary stop on my journey as a teacher trainer, but its beauty and serenity will forever remain a cherished memory in my heart.

In the fast-paced world of education, it's important to pause, reflect, and find moments of solace amidst the chaos. Wilson's Wharf taught me that sometimes, the most profound lessons are learned not in the classroom, but in the quiet moments of contemplation by the sea.