"أنا لست معلما لكنني باعث"

Imagine you’re sitting in a cozy coffee shop with a friend, and the conversation turns to the different kinds of mentors and guides we’ve had in our lives. You sip your latte and think back to a quote you once heard: “I am not a teacher, but an awakener.” The essence of this quote is about sparking something inside someone rather than just imparting knowledge. It’s about igniting curiosity, passion, and a desire to learn, rather than just dishing out information.

In simpler terms, it’s the difference between someone who just gives you a fish and someone who teaches you how to fish. An awakener doesn’t just tell you what to think; they inspire you to think for yourself. This concept was famously encapsulated by Robert Frost, the American poet, and reflects a deeper, more transformative role than that of a traditional teacher.

Let’s jump back to our coffee shop chat—think about a time in history when this was particularly relevant. During the Renaissance, for example, figures like Leonardo da Vinci didn't just create art and inventions. They inspired a whole wave of creativity and intellectual exploration across Europe. It wasn’t just about their works; it was about the curiosity and wonder they sparked in others.

Now, let’s ground this in a practical, real-life example. Imagine you're in high school, struggling with math. You have two teachers. One follows the textbook, assigns problems, and checks homework. The other one—let’s call her Ms. Thompson—approaches things differently. She starts each class with a real-world problem, something that piques your interest. Maybe she talks about how math is used in designing video games or solving mysteries. Instead of just showing you how to solve equations, she gets you excited about why you might want to. Ms. Thompson isn’t just teaching you math; she’s awakening your interest in it.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? If you’re in a position where you’re guiding or mentoring someone, focus on inspiring rather than just instructing. Ask questions that provoke thought. Share your own passion and curiosity. Let’s say you’re a manager at work and you’re training a new employee. Instead of just walking them through the procedures, explain the bigger picture—how their role impacts the company, and why it matters. Encourage them to come up with their own ideas and solutions. This way, you’re not just teaching them; you’re awakening their engagement and creativity.

To illustrate, here’s a relatable story. Picture two friends, Alex and Jamie. Alex is an avid gardener, and Jamie knows nothing about gardening but wants to learn. Alex could just give Jamie a list of instructions—plant this seed, water it this much, etc. But instead, Alex takes Jamie to their garden, shows the different plants, talks about how each one has a story, a reason for being there. Alex shares the joy of seeing a seed sprout for the first time. Jamie leaves not just with a set of instructions, but with a newfound appreciation and enthusiasm for gardening.

In the end, being an awakener is about sharing passion and sparking curiosity. It’s about setting a fire rather than just lighting a candle. Think about the people who’ve inspired you the most in your life—they probably didn’t just teach you facts. They made you excited to learn more. That’s the magic of being an awakener.