I've taught fifth-year Christmas leavers last thing on a Friday afternoon. Basically, if you can face that you can face anything.

Johann Lamont’s quote reflects the challenges and resilience required in a teaching career, particularly when dealing with difficult or less-than-ideal circumstances. She mentions teaching fifth-year Christmas leavers (likely referring to students in their final year before the holiday break) on a Friday afternoon, a time when both students and teachers are often mentally fatigued and ready for the weekend. The situation described is one where the energy and focus required for effective teaching are at their lowest, making it a particularly demanding scenario.

By saying, “if you can face that, you can face anything,” Lamont emphasizes the level of toughness and determination needed to handle such a challenging situation. It suggests that facing the difficulty of teaching a group of students on a Friday afternoon, right before a holiday, prepares a person for almost any other obstacle they may encounter in life. The quote highlights how some experiences, particularly those that push you to your limits, help build resilience and mental strength.

The humor in Lamont’s quote also plays a role in communicating the real challenges of teaching. By exaggerating the difficulty of teaching in this context, she draws attention to the everyday struggles teachers face, making it relatable to anyone who has experienced the exhaustion of long work weeks or difficult situations. Lamont’s words point to the way teaching can require both patience and endurance, particularly when the students are distracted or ready to check out for the holidays.

Ultimately, Lamont’s quote underscores the perseverance required in teaching and how seemingly small, yet difficult, moments can act as a form of training for handling larger challenges in life. It suggests that by pushing through difficult experiences, we build the mental and emotional fortitude to handle future obstacles, making us stronger and more prepared for whatever lies ahead.