As I am about to graduate and finish up the final chapter of my upbringing, I reflect on the past 12 years of education and growth.
In all honesty, I could probably name each teacher I have had over those 12 years. I remember my first day of kindergarten, my 2nd grade teacher reading “The Tale of Desperaux” and "Flat Stanley." More recently, I remember an English teacher who drilled me so I would make a 100 on a college English essay. I remember a pre-calculus professor who stirred up so much anxiety in me that I thought I was going to blow up like that blue bird in the movie “Shrek.” Turns out, I didn’t.
During these 12 years, we as students tend to have a bitter perspective of our teachers. They give us too much homework. They didn’t explain everything that's on the test. They’re always late. The “I don’t know, can you?” question is one that always gets under our skin.
What I have come to realize, though, is how special those teachers are to me now. They always have been. Why? At the moment I may not have realized it, but each teacher has had some sort of impact on my life. While my parents and family have had much to do with my moral foundation, my teachers have had a lot to do with who I am as an individual today. Each teacher planted a seed, and some forced me to think for myself. I’ve realized that creative and critical thinking can go a long way in life.
After moving so many times, I cannot say that I have teachers who have “been there every step of the way.” Sure, I may be connected with my teachers in Mississippi through Facebook, but that’s not exactly what it means, either. Even though I can’t say that, I can say that I’ve had a multitude of teachers who have been there every step of the season I was in. They still support me, too.
There was a season of development (elementary school). There was a season of change (6th grade). There was a second season of change and hard lessons to learn (7th & 8th grade). Finally, there was a season of maturing (high school). Even though I dual-enrolled as a full-time college freshman, those college professors were still a part of my season of maturing.
The first season is when the seeds were deeply planted: theater, singing, writing, etc. The seasons of change molded me into someone who could adapt well to new and uncertain situations. My teachers were patient with me and made me feel welcomed into an unknown area. The last season is when I learned how to be responsible for myself and my decisions. I was responsible with schoolwork, a little financially responsible, and responsible for my future by planning ahead.
There are many memories rolling through my head. Each teacher has a special story that left a special mark, whether they were the best or the worst teacher. Regardless, every teacher has had an impact on my life.
As I climb the steps to a new challenge, I am excited for what God’s plan holds for me. I am excited to become an english/writing teacher in the near future. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll be able to impact my students as much as my teachers have impacted me.
Here’s to all of the teachers and the soon-to-be teachers in any and every field. Use your gift to not only educate others with knowledge, but to also leave a footprint on their journey. There’s no greater joy than to watch those you mentor grow into the person that God has planned for them to become.
