Our Journey

3. Trust

Five weeks had flown by since the start of the school year, and Hidayah felt as though she had finally settled in. The initial nerves had faded, replaced by a growing sense of confidence and belonging within the bustling classroom environment. With the support of her colleagues, she had successfully built a bond with Omar, the boy she assisted, and was grateful for the progress they'd made together. She had taken the time to understand his likes and dislikes, learning which activities sparked his interest and how best to support him when he faced challenges.

One of the highlights of her time at school had been meeting Omar's parents. They were warm and welcoming, always eager to discuss his progress and any concerns. Hidayah appreciated their openness, which made it easier for her to advocate for Omar and ensure he received the best support possible.

As she stood in the classroom, surrounded by the vibrant energy of their Year 4 students, Hidayah felt a sense of contentment wash over her. Mr Russo, or Aaron as she now thought of him, was engaged with the children, his laughter ringing out as he led a discussion about their latest project. The kids truly enjoyed her presence, often chattering about her when she was helping out another teacher.

"Where's Miss Ahmed?" they would ask. "We want Miss Ahmed in our class!" Their enthusiasm was infectious, and whenever Aaron relayed their messages to her, she couldn't help but chuckle, a warm feeling blooming in her chest.

"Looks like you're popular," he teased one afternoon as she returned from the staff room, her arms full of resources.

"I guess they just have good taste!" she replied, her playful tone belying the gratitude she felt. Each time she heard their excitement, it reinforced her sense of purpose in this role.

As she settled back into the rhythm of the day, Hidayah couldn't help but reflect on how fortunate she was. The school felt like a second home, and she was beginning to truly appreciate the impact she could make—not just in Omar's life, but in the lives of all her students. With each passing day, her love for teaching grew, and so did her determination to inspire the young minds in her care.

The banter between Aaron and Hidayah had developed into a comfortable rhythm over the past few weeks. They exchanged playful teasing that brightened up their busy school days.

One afternoon, as they were preparing materials for the next lesson, Aaron shot Hidayah a cheeky grin. "I think the kids are plotting against us," he said, lowering his voice dramatically. "Every time you step out of the room, they're asking for Miss Ahmed. I'm starting to feel like a supply teacher!"

Hidayah chuckled, leaning casually against the desk. "What can I say? I'm irresistible. Maybe we should start charging for autographs."

Aaron raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Right, because I'm sure an 8-9 year old is going to pay for a scribble on a piece of paper."

Hidayah rolled her eyes, laughing. "Yeah, they'd probably want me to draw a unicorn or something ridiculous."

"Well," Aaron teased, "if anyone could make a unicorn look cute, it'd be you. But I'll stick to my art, thank you very much. Can't risk my reputation by doodling mythical creatures."

"Smart move! I mean, I'm sure your art is amazing. I can't imagine a stick figure would have the same impact," Hidayah said, smirking. "But you could always try to sell your stick figures as 'abstract art.'"

He feigned offence, placing a hand over his heart. "Ouch! That hurts. My stick figures have a certain charm."

"Sure, if charm means resembling a wobbly spaghetti noodle!" Hidayah laughed, shaking her head.

Their light-hearted exchanges felt good, especially in the hectic environment of a primary school. As they bantered, Hidayah appreciated the camaraderie they shared. It felt refreshing to have a colleague she could laugh with amidst the chaos of the classroom.