This made my day

[CarolfromTX]

I’m a retired teacher. I don’t live in the town where I taught, but close by. Occasionally, someone will come up to me, peer into my face, and ask, “Are you Mrs. H?” When I reply in the affirmative, they exclaim, “ It’s me!” and they tell me their name. They are a former student who has somehow morphed into an adult. Happened less and less. And then one of them friended me on FB, and then another, until I have a small group of former students as friends.

One of them posted a picture of her daughter in color guard during the Christmas Stroll here in town. My granddaughter was in the same photo, because she is also in color guard. When I showed the picture to my daughter, who is also a teacher, she said, “ I know Mariah. She was in my class a few years ago!” So she taught the daughter of a student I taught. Pretty cool coincidence!

So I messaged the mom on FB and told her the story. She messaged me back to tell me I was “one of her favorite teachers.” And then she said, “You were an amazing teacher. You inspired me to want to be a teacher. “ Now here’s the sad part. “But life had other plans. “. The other plans, I suspect, was a teen pregnancy. Still, I’m pleased that I made an Impression. It made my day. Good to know my life’s work did not go unnoticed. Thanks for letting me share.

 

[Robb.hisself]

I've known teachers that have been delighted to have experiences like yours. And, I've known others that are wearied by them and wish they were not recognized. I can't say why to the difference. But, I notice the ones that are happy by it are typically grammar school teachers, and the others are high school teachers. Why would there be this difference?

 

[dilettante]

My father left us for another woman when I was maybe 5 or 6. I don't dwell on it so I can't even place the event precisely.

His youngest sister (Aunt M - no not "Auntie Em") used tp spend a lot of time with my sister and I (a year younger) when I was with my paternal grandparents. I think she was maybe 14 or 15 or something.

After the divorce, I never saw that side of the family again, except maybe Dad once or twice, and annother of his sisters. That sister had married my mother's brother. So yeah, we had some double-cousins.

But at that other sister's funeral there were sort of two "panels" of mourners. At one point I took the step of crossing over to Dad's side. He was there but hadn't aged well at all. His 2nd wife gave me the evil eye but what the hell?

But this old lady comes up to me, grabs my cheeks, and exclaims: "That same little face!"

It was my long lost Aunt M.

 

[CarolfromTX]

I've known teachers that have been delighted to have experiences like yours. And, I've known others that are wearied by them and wish they were not recognized. I can't say why to the difference. But, I notice the ones that are happy by it are typically grammar school teachers, and the others are high school teachers. Why would there be this difference?

Well, I taught both, and high school kids can be…um…tricky. Teenagers can be mean, surly critters and by the end of the school year, you’re sick of the sight of them. Elementary kids are easier to love and way more forgiving. And you can hug them. Started my career in HS but quickly realized it was NOT for me. Took about five years to get to elementary level but I never regretted it. Not that there weren’t kids I was glad to usher out the door, but far fewer.

 

[VaughanJB]

I’m a retired teacher. I don’t live in the town where I taught, but close by. Occasionally, someone will come up to me, peer into my face, and ask, “Are you Mrs. H?” When I reply in the affirmative, they exclaim, “ It’s me!” and they tell me their name. They are a former student who has somehow morphed into an adult. Happened less and less. And then one of them friended me on FB, and then another, until I have a small group of former students as friends.

One of them posted a picture of her daughter in color guard during the Christmas Stroll here in town. My granddaughter was in the same photo, because she is also in color guard. When I showed the picture to my daughter, who is also a teacher, she said, “ I know Mariah. She was in my class a few years ago!” So she taught the daughter of a student I taught. Pretty cool coincidence!

So I messaged the mom on FB and told her the story. She messaged me back to tell me I was “one of her favorite teachers.” And then she said, “You were an amazing teacher. You inspired me to want to be a teacher. “ Now here’s the sad part. “But life had other plans. “. The other plans, I suspect, was a teen pregnancy. Still, I’m pleased that I made an Impression. It made my day. Good to know my life’s work did not go unnoticed. Thanks for letting me share.

Congrats. Some people change the world on a grand scale, but others work at the grass roots. It's not about money, desire for control, of self-aggrandizement. You chose to be a teacher - an important profession that has a direct effect on young children's lives - and that's honorable beyond words. Your legacy will go on, whether attributed or not. Well done!!

 

[Fyrefox]

It’s well said that a teacher can never tell where their influence ends. A former English teacher turned educational specialist, I was often asked to proofread written works of colleagues. I’ve pulled engineering students through their hated required college English classes, and I’ve proofread doctoral dissertations, including one from a person who went on to become a school superintendent! They at least gifted me with a $5 gift card at an ice cream emporium.- -Who says teaching doesn’t pay off?

 

[VaughanJB]

It’s well said that a teacher can never tell where their influence ends. A former English teacher turned educational specialist, I was often asked to proofread written works of colleagues. I’ve pulled engineering students through their hated required college English classes, and I’ve proofread doctoral dissertations, including one from a person who went on to become a school superintendent! They at least gifted me with a $5 gift card at an ice cream emporium.- -Who says teaching doesn’t pay off?

My most memorable teacher was a Mrs Marchant. She was strict, mean, and evil.

However, once a week we'd get on a bus and go to the local swimming pool. As a non-swimmer, these were far from my favorite times. One day I was standing on the edge, afraid to get in. She came up behind me and screamed: "Get in and swim!!! Get in!" I was so afraid, I jumped in the water. And swam! Yes, I learned to swim from fear!

Looking back, what a nice gift. I love swimming.