Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Music to My Ears


I've been teaching 3rd grade for 8 years now. During my first year of teaching, there was a student in my class that I became very attached to. She had some troubles at home, but was always able to rise above it. She was so sweet and cheerful. She was always kind to others and, of course, she loved art. We went to the Art Museum for our field trip that year, and she was unable to go because she was out sick. So, over the summer, I took her myself. We had so much fun, and it really felt good to give her the opportunity to go there since she'd missed out on the field trip. I watched her grow up for the next few years until she went on to middle school, and we then lost touch.
I found out that her sister teaches in my district so I emailed her to tell my student hi. I was floored when I received an email from my student the next day saying,
"You probably had the biggest impact on my life when I was young, thank you for that."
These are the kinds of words any teacher longs to hear from her students. Especially ones like this little girl, because I tried so hard to make life better for her and give her glimpses into the world of art as a way to enjoy the world around her. Ever since receiving this email, my whole attitude at work has changed. It's easy to get jaded after doing this for 8 years, but feedback like that reminds me of the difference I must be making. I feel recharged and ready to change the world!

9 comments:

Heather Buchanan said...

Awwwwwwwww! That is so wonderful!!! I'm a little choked up from reading that. Oh my.

Block Party Press said...

What a wonderful story. I think these days teachers are much less likely to get involved with their students (for many reasons), so it is great to hear that you went the extra mile to help this little girl, and how nice that she let you know the impact you had on her life. You must be an amazing teacher.

beki said...

That has to be the best reward ever! My husband is a teacher, so I know how hard the job is. I'm sure it's moments like that which is make it all worth it :)

DECA Candle and Bath said...

That is a great post!

Diana said...

Your beautiful account brought a lump to my throat. What better achievement than to be a young person's hero? And what kinder monument than to have brought a troubled young one comfort and love? You're the best kind of teacher.

Your tender heart shows through in your beautiful art.

xox
Diana

Laurinha said...

Hi, I saw your blog link in Etsy. What a heart warming story! I bet you were so happy to hear that. I'm a little chocked up myself.
My son is 6 and he goes to first grade. He has a great connection with his teacher, and we will be sad when he moves to second grade and probably a different teacher.
Your blog is very nice looking. I love your art

Anonymous said...

That's wonderful! My son is in an Ivy League college majoring in Computer Enginering. He has a 4.0 average and will graduate in May. When he started the CE program, the Dean of the CE College told them at orientation to look around because most of them they won't see at the end of the second year. He was right. The program is so tough that many drop out. My son sent an email to his high school CE teacher that simply said:
"Because of you I will be graduating next month with a degree in CE. Sometimes I thought you were way too tough and demanding. Once I got here in college it didn't take me long to realize that you were that way for a reason. Thank you for helping me achieve my dream."
His high school teacher was overwhelmed but the man was the most influential teacher my son had. Thought I'd share :)

amy said...

That is the sweetest thing I've heard all day. I love a good ending. You must be one of the coolest teachers.

AlasMyDear said...

What a great feeling :) it makes all the effort worthwhile, to hear something like that once in a while! and i loved your april fools' joke, btw!