Teachers

"A teacher holds a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart."

After having a recent conversation with a former teacher of mine, I have been thinking a lot about how teachers shape and influence our lives.

Just think about it. Growing up, we have probably had over a hundred teachers. Some of them great, and some not so great. Every year, we have spent countless weeks, days, and hours with them. They have grown to know us on individual levels, have become familiar with our strengths and weaknesses, etc. They have invested in our lives.

And sometimes I don't think we take the time to really think about what they have done for us. Do we really realize what they have done for us or even sacrificed for us? Sure, I understand that teaching is their job and that they went to school for it. But I can almost make the assumption that it is not the easiest job they could have chosen.

I think being a teacher could be hard. They work overtime. They work on the weekends. Their students are sassy and rude them. And they sure as hell don't get paid enough for what they do. YET, they still choose to teach. They still choose to come to school everyday with a joyful heart. Why?

And although I can't answer that question of why, I can tell you that teachers really do make a difference... even when they don't see it.

And I hope that this post encourages the teachers that I have had growing up, the teachers who have truly made a difference in my life. I truly believe that I am the person I am today because a select few teachers chose to work with me on an individual level and chose to invest in me. I can think back to countless times where a teacher has gone out of her way to help me with a personal issue, school work, or has come to an extracurricular event. Even though their job is to shape and sharpen our thinking... some of them have really shaped our hearts. They have gone out of their way to invest in us. The teachers have stuck in our minds. Right now, I can think of a couple of phenomenal teachers who have shaped my heart and my life.

With that said, if you're one of my former teachers who is reading this... thank you for all that you have done for me. Thank you for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself, pushing me to go beyond what I thought I was capable of, and caring for me despite my sassy attitude. Thank you for constantly encouraging me to be the best I can be.

All of you are truly my hero and a gift from God.

Carly Ann

PS. If you're a student reading this... I want to encourage you to take time to write a previous teacher an email, send them a text, etc. Thank them for all that they have done.