Vanessen Tirvassen
15 July 2008
editorial
Port Louis — Jayen Cuttaree, politician
"I consider myself a very lucky person or at least to have been a lucky student, whenever I recall the number of good teachers I came across during my time at Royal College Curepipe. In fact, in the 50s, there were some really great teachers, most probably the best ever (in my opinion), who were shaping the destiny of youngsters. I think particularly about the likes of Robert D'Unienville, my former mathematics teacher, or Claude Michel, who was my biology teacher and George Espitalier-Noel, who was my English literature teacher.
However, the one whom I sincerely believe really moulded my academic route was Noel Asarapen who was my biology teacher in my last two years at Royal College. At that time, he had just come back from his studies in the UK. The first thing that undeniably comes to my mind was his passion for everything he would do, mainly for the teaching of biology and the subject itself. As a result of this maybe, it was one of the main reasons why he was so inspiring to us. He would show such endeavour and dedication especially for those who would take biology as a main subject at HSC level. Moreover, he could tie bonds very easily with students, which was exceptional.
I remember very well, as if it was yesterday, that I wanted to take botany and zoology to study. But the rector (who was Mr. Sims at that time), tried to discourage me by arguing that biology itself was a difficult subject, whereas both botany and zoology would be almost impossible to do as for their level of difficulty. When I turned to Noël Asarapen and told him about my choice, he told me that it would be the biggest challenge for him as a teacher to teach those. After asking me if I was ready to go ahead with my choice (which I answered positively), he gave me his green light.
Nevertheless, this pulled a trigger in our relationship, because as from thereon, he became much more than a teacher to me. Indeed, during my free periods and his at school, whenever I would go to him in the biology laboratory, he would make me work while providing me his coaching. He would also do the same on Saturday morning. Consequently, I would spend my time at his place on Saturday dissecting animals and gaining explanations from him on matters which I found difficult. But the thing that cannot be forgotten is that he never made me pay a cent for all this additional support.
When I passed, I got results that were far beyond my expectations and excellent grades which led me to get a scholarship to study at Edinburgh and this signaled the beginning of a great academic career as I ended up with a PHD in ecology at the same University. In fact, I owe him everything! I therefore reached the conclusion that knowledge can be found in books, but inspiration can only come from one dedicated teacher!
I would like to end up by adding that, as a proof of his potential, Noel Asarapen left the country afterwards to go to Australia whereby he became a medical doctor. I can only say that he so deserved for the great man and person he was!"
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