Table Tennis Day

The moment captured in that photo brings back the energy of the afternoon so vividly. It was a ping pong session with one of my Grade 8 students.

We started with the basics: grip, stance, and how to read the bounce. I tossed the ball gently, letting her practice her timing. Each rally was a mix of laughter and concentration. I’d call out small corrections—“Loosen your wrist,” “Watch the spin,” “Nice recovery!”—and she’d nod, absorbing it all like a sponge. The ball zipped back and forth, and with each exchange, her confidence grew. It was just the two of us—teacher and student—sharing a game that was becoming more than just sport. It was connection, mentorship, and a little spark of pride every time she nailed a shot.

By the end of the session, she was grinning, paddle raised like a trophy. “I think I’m getting the hang of it,” she said. And I smiled back, knowing that this was one of those small victories that would stick with her.