Visiting My Elementary School

One of the most fun experiences yet has been being able to visit former teachers of mine. This is partly because my parents still live in the same house I grew up in but also because I know how much it must mean to former teachers of mine to know they have made a difference. There is something to be said about being a teacher and I have a greater appreciation for just how much these people who were like another set of parents really did for me. They cared so deeply about me as a person and saw that I could turn into something. My teachers impacted me so much.

One of the most influential people was my first grade teacher. Walking into her room today, although different in many ways, not much has changed and it was like stepping back into time. She touched me and brought out my love for reading. Stepping into her room, I was transfered back to learning to read and all of the fun things we did. She truly loved me. Not just loved as a student in her class but loved as the person I was and would become.

While being home, I have found old school projects and remembered completing them while in her class. We completed this "All About Me" book. It was a HUGE undertaking. We spent the entire year working on it and growing with the book. I now appreciate just how much effort something like that can take from a teachers perspective. You have to really be organized and invested in your students. I was blessed to have her as a teacher of mine.

Another thing that my 1st grade teacher did was to give out books throughout the year. We got books at Christmas and for birthdays, and I'm sure for other reasons, but we were given books of our own to take home and have. She still does that today.

This teacher cared so deeply enough that she made sure my sister and I made it safely out of the building and to the car and waved as we drove off. She was just so thrilled that we had come back to visit.  I guess the whole point is, what little way could you touch a teacher that you had or someone who influenced you and just let them know what a difference in your life they made? I think if we did more of that, the world would be a much better place.