When I was in school, a certain core memory etched into my mind is that of kids being called out for not having paid their school fee. And how MUCH I HATED IT.
Ours was a convent school, run by a church. A private school.
Although the fee wasn't steep, we had a mixed bunch of students.
Kids from affluent homes and kids from not so affluent homes.
Every once in a while, the peon would walk in holding a list and hand it to the teacher. The teacher would then call out these names, in the middle of the class. The kids stood up and then they were told to tell their parents to clear the school dues.
It was humiliating for them. And their social standing went down.
After such call outs, I'd notice these kids crying or almost crying. Sitting aloof during lunch breaks. Etc.
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Some of the teachers were downright snarky about it. Like very belittling. And absolutely insulting. I hated those teachers with all my guts.
Others took the page and said I'll speak to them later. And they conveyed this message privately.
A few years ago I got in touch with one such nicer school teacher who added me on Facebook.
Speaking to him, I said I'd like to make some donations to my alma mater.
And his immediate response was... "Don't worry about the school. The school and church have a lot of money".
If you wish to help, help the students.
And so since then, I do whatever I can to take care of students who are facing genuine hardship. The teacher put me in touch with a bunch of other teachers too.
I was outright about my dislike for the snarky arrogant teachers and they understood.
I also asked to keep all of these donations on the QT.
I get invited to the school's Annual day every year but I don't visit because of the bad apples.
Last I went was when one of my favorite teacher retired. And she insisted I come for lunch at a restaurant.
Still haven't set foot back in the school in 17 years though.
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Sorry for rambling. This triggered a core memory.
