The Power of Influential Encounters: How Our Lives are Shaped by the People We Meet

Life has a beautiful way of bringing people into our paths whose influences go beyond that point in time. These influential encounters often leave an indelible mark on our hearts and minds, shaping us into who we are today.

I recently re-connected with my English Teacher after almost 40 years, and it seemed like only yesterday when he used to mark my English assignments and exams. I still have vivid memories of how much red circles and corrections would be on each page and the quarter points deduction for each tiny error that soon added up to have a significant impact on your final score. The bizarre thing is he always showed the mark you would have got had you not made those teeny-tiny mistakes.

Today, I want to celebrate the extraordinary impact that certain people have had on my life, helping me to grow, learn, and thrive. Here are three personal stories of teachers who profoundly influenced my journey.

The School Mistress Who Taught Me Homemaking Skills

During my secondary school years, I was fortunate to have a school mistress who took a liking to me. She took me under her wings as a young girl in boarding school. The late Mrs Shade Achonwa was more than just a teacher; she was a mentor who taught me not just Economics but life skills. She introduced me to the art of homemaking, with lessons that have stayed with me.  

Mrs. Achonwa had a unique way of making every lesson engaging and practical. One memory that stands out is when I saw her approach to bulk buying, prepping and cooking which gave me an insight into how to keep a home, manage a career, parent children single-handedly and be in control of what you eat through meal planing.

Her influence didn’t end in the classroom. She instilled in me the values of perseverance and the joy of creating something with my own hands. These lessons have stayed with me, guiding me in my personal and professional endeavours.

The Physics Teacher Who Made the Impossible Possible

Physics was a subject that once seemed like an insurmountable mountain. I struggled with the concepts and often felt overwhelmed. That changed when Mr. M. S. Ali became my physics teacher. His passion for the subject was contagious, and he had a remarkable ability to break down complex theories into understandable parts.

Mr. Ali didn’t just teach physics; he made it come alive. He used everyday examples and hands-on experiments to illustrate concepts that once felt abstract to me.

More importantly he believed in my potential, especially when I didn’t. He gave me extra tutoring and many pep talks. Before a particularly challenging exam, he told me, “You can do this. You have all the tools you need.” His confidence in me was the boost I needed. I not only passed the exam but developed a newfound appreciation for physics.

Mr. Ali’s influence taught me that with the right guidance and mindset, no subject is too difficult to master. He taught me for only 1 year but in that time, he helped me get the grades that I needed for university.

The Ghanaian English Teacher Who Showed the Importance of Details

English has always been a subject I loved, but my Ghanaian English teacher, Mr. Kenneth Ocansey, took my understanding and appreciation of it to new heights. He was a stickler for detail, always reminding us of the importance of crossing our t’s and dotting our i’s. At first, I found his meticulous nature daunting, frustrating even but soon I realised the value in his approach.

Mr. Ocansey’s classes were a blend of rigorous grammar exercises and inspiring literature discussions. He taught me the power of precision in writing and the beauty of clear communication. His feedback was always thorough, pointing out not just mistakes but also ways to improve.

His dedication to excellence instilled in me a love for language and a commitment to quality in everything I do. Whether it’s writing a simple email, my blog or crafting a complex report, Mr. Ocansey’s lessons on attention to detail continue to influence my work.

The Power of Influence

These three remarkable educators entered my life at pivotal moments, each leaving a lasting impact. Their teachings went beyond the classroom, shaping my character, skills, and confidence. Their influence reminds me that we all have the power to inspire and uplift others through our actions and words.

Call to Action

Reflect on the influential encounters in your own life. Who has shaped your journey and helped you become who you are today? How have you paid it forward? How are you paying it forward? Take a moment to express your gratitude to those individuals and, in turn, strive to be a positive influence in the lives of others.

Share your stories in the comments below and let’s celebrate the incredible power of influential encounters.