PeaceBang
The manic mind of the minister -- Auntie Mame Meets Cotton Mather. Blogging about Unitarian Universalism, UU Christian spiritual practice, occasional cultural and political ravings, and the inner life of ministry. PeaceBang is the alter ego of a small town pastor serving an historic New England Unitarian Universalist congregation.
Now I Can Die Happy
October 10, 2007 on 8:05 pm | In Joys and Concerns |Ms. Weinstein,
Today I was in an ECFE class with my youngest daughter and in the parent discussion portion today’s topic was “teachers that made an impression” so all the parents went around and talked about teacher’s they had…Funny, but you came to my mind. When I was in 8th grade at Hill Murray in Maplewood, MN, you began teaching mid-semester for our English teacher, whose name escapes me now.
I just wanted you to know that all the writing we did in class with you and all the support and feedback you gave in the short time you were my teacher really stuck with me. I eventually went to college and majored in English Literature and writing. I even have some of the papers I wrote in your class and have mentioned you to my husband.
After class today and as technology progresses I thought I would google you (very stalkerish, I know). Just to see if you were still an actress or teacher, I was surprised to see the path you had taken and that you were out East. Sadly we just moved from coastal Maine back to MN last week (really, last week) due to my husband’s job loss.
While my emailing leaves a bit to be desired, I just wanted to say “Thank you,” and let you know that I appreciate the time you took with me when I was your student.Sincerely,
XXX (Former Student of PeaceBang’s)
I have a hot date with Mr. Nyquil so will take my drippy nose upstairs now, but I just got this in my inbox and am sharing it to celebrate TEACHERS EVERYWHERE! Rock on, Teachers! You are making a difference in someone’s life!
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Awwww! That’s so awesome. Let me be another to tell you (again) how awesome you were as a teach. You’re why I still write today. So rock on with your bad self.
Comment by Kate — October 10, 2007 #
Good for you! We get these so rarely as teachers…the fact is, you never know the influence you’ve had over someone unless he or she tells you, and the likelihood of that happening is not always so great.
Congratulations! If your classes were half as fun and informative as your blogs, they must have been stupendous.
Comment by tom — October 11, 2007 #
I’m sure a great teacher of any subject can make a lasting impression on students. From my own experience and that of others I know, it’s generally English teachers who seem the most influential. Congratulations! And please allow me to mention my own, Mrs. Rose, who is no longer with us. I think of her often. May she have found the peace in her Heaven that we did not always give her in class.
Comment by Charlie Talbert — October 11, 2007 #
I honestly believe that one of the best things any of us can do in this life is to make a lasting difference in the life of another. I’m glad your student was able to let you know what you did for her.
Comment by NDM — October 11, 2007 #
As the Hokey-Pokey so aptly put it: “that’s what it’s all about!”
Those sorts of connections with your students are what it’s all about. Not the paperwork. Not the requirements. Not the curriculum mandates. Not the petty grievances.
The kids.
Comment by Comrade Kevin — October 11, 2007 #
Heh. What is it about English teachers that opens the heart and mind? All of my favorite teachers were English teachers as well. Perhaps it has something to do with the desire of a young man or woman to communicate their inner most feelings, and the intimate act of fostering the ability to put feelings into words. Maybe it has something to do with how literature challenges us to think of the world in a different light. In any case, that was very heart warming - thank you for sharing it.
Comment by JMC — October 11, 2007 #
I was also one of your student at H-M and I remember you fondly. Kate is still a friend of mine and told me about your blog. As a very self-critical person, I had trouble turning in my assignments for your creative writing class because they “weren’t good enough”. But I remember you taking me aside and counseling me about the value of finishing what I start, even if the end result isn’t “perfect”. I think you told me about a friend of yours called “Boo”. I don’t remember the exact story, but I definitely remember the lesson! It is still something that I struggle with, but when I want to throw out some half-finished creative effort you pop into my head and remind me that the creative act is often what is important and finishing is what will make me grow.
Thanks for that lesson. 15 years later I still hear it in my head.
Comment by Kristen — October 12, 2007 #
Hi Kristen! Am I remembering right that this is Kristen N. who had a little brother named Todd?
Comment by PeaceBang — October 12, 2007 #
Nope, different Kristen. This is Kristen K. with a little sister named Erica.
Comment by Kate — October 15, 2007 #
Although that other Kristin, Kristin N. is now married with 2 kids and she teaches at HM!
Comment by Kristen — October 15, 2007 #
No way!!! I can’t even fathom that.
Comment by Kate — October 15, 2007 #