Friday, November 21, 2008

What a lovely surprise

I had the nicest surprise when I reached hubby's apartment yesterday afternoon.  There was a message on the answering machine for me.  This deep, male voice belonged to one of my former students trying to track down my address so he could send me a graduation announcement. 

This young man is graduating early to attend college and major in English.  He says he gives me credit for his interest in English and literature.  Flattered though I am to hear him say that, I certainly don't deserve much of the credit.  He is one of the most capable students I've ever had and his reading ability was exceptional before I was his teacher.  I tried to help him find high-quality novels at his level (reading and maturity), and I've always stressed the value of an ever-increasing vocabulary and solid understanding of good grammar.  Maybe that was what he needed at 11-years old.

For whatever reason, I was touched that he would go to the trouble to try and find me (we have both moved more than once since he was in my 6th grade).  He was a terrific student and a thoughtful, kind young man.  I have always loved working with really smart kids and he was a true pleasure.  He promised to include a picture and I am looking forward to seeing him again.  

7 comments:

Gill - That British Woman said...

that is so nice of him.........I am glad you were able to make such an impact in his life. Teachers are unsung heroes if you ask me!!

Gill in Canada

Teacher Mama said...

Moments like that make JSD policies, bus duty, and parent teacher conferences worth it!

wispy willow said...

Ahhhh... The fruits of your labors were sweet indeed. Wht a thoughful young man he is.

My children all remember Mrs Ehman, their favorite teacher who taught each of them in the sixth grade. Several years ago, I told my sister-in-law about her and what a gift she had been to all four of my offspring. I was surprised to hear that Mrs Ehman had been her favorite teacher more than 25 years earlier.

It's amazing what an impact a dedicated teacher can have on a young person. I will always carry the confidence that Mr John Smith gave me when I sat in his fifth grade class. My mother taught me a love for reading and he helped guide me to a great list of books to read. He is also the one who encouraged me to write. I'll be forever gratful for him, Mrs Ehman and the army of teachers like them.

Kay said...

Awww... That is just so wonderful. You have to be feeling mighty proud. I'm proud for you, in fact. That took a lot of effort on his part to find you and you know deep down inside that you made learning special for him.

Rambling Woods said...

It makes teaching worthwhile..nice that he found you...

New Rambling Woods Site

Mare said...

What a great feeling that is!! To have a former student tell you that you made a difference. My other favorite moment within the teaching profession was while teaching a lesson, a student would say[ almost as if talking to himself/herself]" Oh-h...I get it!!
The aha moment.

storyteller said...

What a lovely happening. Sometimes it's hard to know the students we reach, but events like this serve as reminders.
Hugs and blessings,