From Classroom to Counter: The Story of a Teacher-Turned-Shopkeeper
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From classroom to counter: The story of a teacher-turned-shopkeeper
By Pyar Ali Amir Ali, Danyal Ur Rehman
- Feb 09, 2023
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A small shop in the heart of the city is not just another ordinary shop; it’s a place where you can find a woman with a heart full of kindness, courage, and determination. Mrs. Safia Sohail, a retired English teacher who spent 11 long years teaching and molding young minds, has now added another chapter to her life by running a shop after her retirement. But what makes her story so special is that she is not just a retired teacher turned entrepreneur; she is also a cancer survivor.
Mrs. Sohail’s Journey:
Her journey as a shopkeeper was not an easy one. She was diagnosed with colon cancer during her teaching days but did not let the disease defeat her. With her strong will and determination, she fought the cancer and emerged victorious. Her experience with cancer made her even more determined to help others, and what better way to do that than through her shop?
At her shop, you can find not just the usual items, but also some of her own handcrafted cross-stitch work. Her passion for cross-stitch work is evident in the beautiful pieces she creates.
Talking to Mrs. Sohail, one can see the spark in her eyes as she speaks about her shop:
“I may earn less, but I am thankful to God for what he has given me. I may not have much, but I have my health, my family, and my shop. That’s more than enough for me,” she said.
Recalling her teaching days, she shared an incident:
"When I was a teacher and I heard another teacher calling a student ‘duffer,’ it made me feel very bad. I told that teacher, ‘What if your teacher called you the same?’"
A Reminder of Empathy and Commitment:
This quote showcases her compassion and empathy towards her students, as well as her commitment to creating a positive learning environment. It is a reminder of the impact that a teacher can have on their students' lives, and of the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.
Mrs. Safia Sohail’s journey from a retired English teacher to a shopkeeper, a cancer survivor, and a cross-stitch artist is truly inspiring. She has shown us that age is just a number and one can start a new chapter in their lives at any time. Her unwavering spirit and determination remind us that anything is possible if one has the will and courage to do it.