Old Gestures ~ Creative Non-Fiction

Stand up! Greet.

A tiny voice echoed from the back seat as everyone in the class stood and greeted Miss Bakre, our fine arts teacher. It was our first day in secondary school and we were all elated to be among the few considered for admission. It was a tough process to get admitted into the command school. It was the dream of an average child to attend that school. On that very first day, the class was silent because we have been told during the orientation of new students how to behave ourselves.

Miss Bakre, in her mango-green army uniform, smart and well-ironed, smiled back at us as we were on our feet.

Good morning class. She had returned the gesture.

She thanked the class for greeting her and then introduced herself.

I am Miss Bakre. I will be teaching you fine arts. Please, I need your support so we could have a nice time during and after our class sessions. The who class happily chorused

Yes, ma'am.

I can still remember vividly how she made every one of us introduce ourselves to the class. One by each, we would rise and say our name and the primary school we attended. It was a great time and about the only time we did that. I bet you, Miss Bakre was one of those teachers that shaped my behavior, especially in the area of courtesy.

Jadson Thomas

Our first class was quite memorable. There was this practical class we had where we had to bring the donkey chair for still life drawing. There were twenty-five students in our class and we knew each other. We were so grounded in fine arts that in every competition that was opened, our school came tops.

In our third year, Jummy and I were to represent the school in an art painting competition. We were not in talking terms but because we would be representing our school, we had to engage in special tutorial classes and revision. Thankfully, we had a very wonderful outing.
That experience gave me some level of boldness to tackle life issues. It was the first time I would come face to face with a large crowd of people.

Many years later, after we had left school, I was applying for a job in a beverage company. It was my third try at the interview. On this third occasion, I scaled through the first phase of the interview, and four other guys and I were invited for an oral interview with the head of personnel of the company.

Several questions were thrown at us on an individual basis. I tried my best, and luckily, the questions were what I can relate to. The beautiful lady who headed the panel was silent throughout the session. Once we were done and discharged. I decided to walk home since it was a trekkable distance.

Brett Sayles

For real, it was not a trekable distance. When you have no money in your pocket, the farthest of places could turn out to be close by. My legs obeyed my pocket and we moved. A short walk from the gates of the company, someone was whispering my name. I looked around but no one in sight looked familiar.

Andrew, it's me. Jummy.

I looked closely at her but she does not look like someone I have met before. She put her hand forward for a handshake. I reluctantly stretched out my hand to her and withdrew it almost immediately after the shake.

It is me Jummy. Your partner at the painting competition is class three.

My mind quickly flashed back to that competition and how we were decorated with medals for having the best live painting. All thanks to Miss Bakre, who took the time to tutor us on the beauty of art and to love the subject.

Jummy, you now look so different. I cannot believe my eyes. Etisalat!!

As soon as I mentioned Etisalat, Jummy chuckled. It was her nickname back in school. The name came as a result of her big ears. Thank goodness that she often uses her hair to cover her ear lobes.

She told me that I would get the job. She is the personnel manager. All five of us that qualified for the last stage are eligible. It was a nice time with Jummy after so many years. She reminded me of my bad communication skills. I used to be very quiet and reserved.

Indeed, the face of the people we meet today may not be entirely the same tomorrow. Meeting Jummy again brought a lot of memories and made my new job and how to work around very easy for me.