I knew this day would come. The day when a student from my past would come walking into my present. Would I recognize them all grown up? I've taught one class of third grade and years of Kindergarten - a lot changes between 8 and 22. The answer is yes. I did recognize her and remember her name. I was instantly transported to the very special place she and her classmates have always had in my heart.
They were my first. As a young teacher I excitedly (and nervously) walked into Room 80 on November 22, 1993 and my life was changed forever. I learned more about life and teaching during that year than I ever did during college. Looking back I didn't have a clue - but I was passionate and eager to do the right things. I was so happy to have a job and they were so happy to finally have a permanent teacher. It was a special class, and a very special year.
By the way, she's standing right beside me on the second row! And yes, that REALLY is me!
They were my first. As a young teacher I excitedly (and nervously) walked into Room 80 on November 22, 1993 and my life was changed forever. I learned more about life and teaching during that year than I ever did during college. Looking back I didn't have a clue - but I was passionate and eager to do the right things. I was so happy to have a job and they were so happy to finally have a permanent teacher. It was a special class, and a very special year.On Tuesday a young teacher excitedly (and nervously) walked in to my conference room and interviewed for a job. She was smart and thoughtful, posed and eloquent, gracious and gifted - just the way I remember her from the third grade. I was also reminded that as educators everything we do, say and teach walks out and into a future that eventually turns into our past. Make the most of every moment knowing that one day that past will intersect with the present.
By the way, she's standing right beside me on the second row! And yes, that REALLY is me!
Risk...Dream...Care...Expect...
13 comments:
What a great story! I bet she was so relieved to see you sitting in the interview! I wonder which one of my students will intersect with my life in the future...
What a small world...
Did you hire her? Debbie R
Except for our own biological children, I can't think of anything that gives a teacher more delight than a student returning who has done good! I'm not sure our students really know how much they impact our past, our present, and our future...
This is an unbelievable experience! ...to think that one day,this young girl (once a student of yours) would walk into your school and be interviewed by you! I hope that I have s similar contact many years down the road, but I wonder in what capacity? I, also, want to know if you hired her! We never know when our past will intersect with our present. Thank you for sharing this wonderfully true story.
Dorry
Unbelievable! What are the odds? I wonder if she knew that she was going to be interviewed by a teacher from her past? I'm glad that your intersection was a delightful one.
Awesome story and reflection. I am really trying to make the most of every moment even on those difficult days. Thanks for sharing.
What an inspiring story. I love visits from my previous students and hearing all about how well they are doing, but this is truly amazing!
That is such a neat story! :) I still keep in touch with my kindergarten teacher; she has a special place in my heart. She was very excited to hear that I am now a teacher. :)
Susan, it is in these moments that there can be no doubt that life altering changes occur, for better or for worse, due to teachers' interactions with kids. It sounds like you made quite an amazing impression. I hope you allowed yourself a big pat on the back, 'cause it weren't no accident!
I regularly answer 5-10 emails per week from former students, and it really keeps me pumped:-}
WORD! We do have the best jobs in the world!
Peace,
T-Cubed
Susan,
It is a reminder that we never stop thinking about the students we teach each day. We always want the best for them. How wonderful to have that experience!
Debbie
The young teacher you interviewed is our niece. Her Tennessee family thinks she's all that and more. Thanks for your very positive influence on a special young lady.
Yesterday, My grandmother found my dad's 5th grade class photo. My dad was so excited and went on and on about how wonderful his teacher was. He had several stories to share about his fifth grade experiences 44 years ago! It is amazing to think that 44 years from now students will be talking about the teachers they had at Chets Creek.
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