Dear Ms. Edinger, I took your class in high school. You probably don’t remember me, but I remember you. Your social studies class, I’ll be honest, I don’t remember much. I sat inside your class, hoping never to be noticed. You didn’t yell and never scolded. I remember that so well. You were the kind of teacher who seemed to focus on what mattered. Do you remember when you knelt beside me? You didn’t need to do it, but still you took the time. You made me feel like no one else―you made me feel I mattered. For just a few short moments, you took the time to share some simple and kind words. It was quite kind of you, but something strange has happened. Though many years have passed, I can still remember those few sweet words you chose to share with me. It probably wasn’t much for you and you probably don’t remember. But somewhere deep inside me, you planted tiny seeds of hope. In your few kind words, you made way for possibilities. You planted seeds I didn’t know I needed from those simple words you shared. I only hope I can do the same for my students what you have done for me. You see, each day I take the time to kneel beside a student, I work to figure out a way to let them know they matter. You have planted that in me. The impact that you've made on me has grown throughout the years, and I wanted to be sure you knew that your work deeply mattered. There are many things I’ve learned since high school. One thing I’ve learned for sure is that there are people who are masterful at finding hidden gems in others. They are few and far between and we are lucky when we find them. You, Ms. Edinger, are one of them and I wanted to say, thank you. Thank you for those simple words and tiny seeds of hope. With deepest gratitude, Marina
4 Comments
Stacey
3/12/2020 08:05:39 pm
Mrs. Edinger sounds like a wonderful teacher. How fortunate to have her as an eternal role model.
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3/12/2020 08:14:25 pm
Your slice made me cry. I hope Ms. Ediger will get to read it. I hope I did this for a kid today.
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3/12/2020 08:17:41 pm
It was meant for me to post late tonight - this is a heart felt story that makes me want to knee next to a student on Monday. Kind words really matter and impact individuals - look at you writing about them so many years later. Thanks for sharing.
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3/13/2020 08:28:54 am
Most of us had at least one teacher who was like this, and now that we are teachers, we aspire to be one, too. Thanks for sharing.
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AuthorI write. I read. I learn... and then I write some more. Archives
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