Dear Teachers,
Thank you...




Yesterday I told you all about my final career decision. I feel really good about the decision and very excited (alright, I admit it. A little terrified, too.)

Yesterday's video had me thinking about the teachers in my past who have made a difference in my life. I've never really thanked them and many of them are the only reason I survived my turbulent high school years.

So today's post is a thank you to the teachers who gave their all and helped me reach my potential:


My Mom - You were brave enough to take on home schooling me. I was a child who would have driven most mothers to insanity after schools let alone if they had to be with me 24/7. I may harass and tease you about my schooling, but the truth is that I could not have reached my potential in high school had it not been for the foundation you had laid. Thank you for doing what you believed was best for me and the family. Thank you for pioneering and not giving up when you were criticized. Thank you for pushing me to be the best and succeed. And thank you for stressing how important reading was. That is one thing that I owe solely to you. It has been one of the best and most useful assets in my life.

Mr. Houchin (Sr.): You were my Freshman English Teacher and it was your last year teaching. You didn't have to care. You could have laid back and taken it easy, but you didn't. You pushed us. You lit a fire under our arses. You made us spell Sugar and Sincerely so often and repetitively that I could spell them in my sleep. You were the one who began to open a new world of English for me and a new appreciation for literature. Thank you truly and Sincerely :-)

Ms. Clark - As my sophomore English and public speaking teacher, plus my Speech team coach you quickly became more than just another teacher to me. You were a friend, confidant, and example. You are one of the reasons I am inspired to become an English teacher. You were always there to listen and help me through any situation regardless of the decision. You had a passion for reading and literature that you shared with your students. You were kind and helpful but you expected our very best and nothing less was acceptable. Thank you for going beyond the classroom and helping your students on a personal level. You were definitely one of the reason I survived my high school career and didn't fail.

Mr. Olsen
- It is hard to type this without getting all teary eyed. As my music teacher, track coach, and musical play director you were an amazing teacher. You made a special effort to know your students as people. As the years went on though you became more of a father figure to me. You genuinely cared about the issues I had in my life during my high school years. You saw my pain and tried to help me work through it. I had felt so lost and alone during points in those years and you helped me see there were people who truly cared about my well being. Thank you from the deepest part of my heart and I miss you, your class and the plays.

Mr. Houchin (Junior
) - You are another one who brings tears to my eyes and whom I miss. You started as my Spanish 1 and 2 teacher and then became my guidance counselor. Even before that switch in your career you cared and would ask if there was anything you could do to help us through tough times. You expected a lot from us but you helped us achieve those goals. The year you became our counselor was one of the best things to happen for students. You were willing to do whatever was needed to help us find our way, resolve our conflicts. You cared, not because it was your paycheck, but because it was in your heart. Had it not been for your countless sessions with me, your advice and your concern I honestly don't know if I would have made it through my teen years. You never judged us, you never made us feel like anything less than the most important thing in your day. I hope you know how many lives you touched with a positive impact.

What teacher had the most impact in your life and why?


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P.S.
Yesterday's video was Taylor Mali, a teacher and slam poet. I personally have found his work to be amazing and inspiring. Check out some of his other Videos:

The Impotence of Proofreading

Like, You know?

7 comments:

Tracy Rambles On And On said...

That was nice of you to thank your teachers. The teacher that made the most difference in my life was
Mrs. Duckworth, our home ec. teacher. She always had time to sit down and talk when I was going through a rough time in my life with my parents rocky divorce and a boyfriend who thought that sweet talk was telling me what a loser I was. She helped me find my way.

Anonymous said...

I loved the video and I too just decided to change up my degree plan. As for who had the most impact-Ms. Bryan she was my science, basketball and track coach in Jr. High. During that time I was having a hard time dealing with family issues but she helped me see my potential and never gave up even when I wanted to-so thank you Ms. Bryan!

Bee said...

I had allot of great teachers but I think the one (besides my momma who is still teaching me) is probably Mrs. Harper. Thanks to her I developed a passion for writing. Nothing I would ever post of course but still...

Gypsy Queen said...

I AM SO HAPPY TO READ YOUR LAST FEW POSTS!!! I am glad you have found something that you truly have a passion for. A lot of times students become teachers just because they don't know what else to do. You actually care and that is HUGE! I hope you don't throw away your idea of writing a children's book because I think you are really talented and have a gift with children. Good luck with everything not that you need it. I have faith that whatever you put your mind and heart to you can achieve. Love you tons and miss you bunches.

Mrs. Jo said...

It's great to see you so happy about something in your life. Every now and then people start to realize things that really made an impact on them growing up. I believe that yours was teaching and you may have not noticed it before now. You will be a good teacher and I am sure someday there will be another person blogging about how you made a difference in their lives.

Anonymous said...

Tracy & Jesse - Teachers who go that extra mile really mean so much more to a student!

Bee - OH no! After a comment like that I think you should post some of it! come on now! Don't make me start bringing it up in your comments!

Gyps - Thank you so much, your love and support really means a lot to me. :-) I'm not going to give up on my writing. I'm actually hoping to try another book this fall/winter now that I only have Bean home :-)

Mrs. Jo - Awww :-) Thank you :-)

Anonymous said...

The teachers that i want to thank are Mr White and Mr Pugh. These to helped me through a lot when i was having family problems and trouble in school. They helped me see im better than i thought i was and i probably wouldnt be here if it wasnt for them so THANK YOU! i really appriated it.