My Many Thanks

08 Nov My Many Thanks

Recently, I have had reflective thoughts about my life and my decision to work and teach in higher education. At first, I was not sure why, but quickly attributed these “deep thoughts” to my first fore into fatherhood. Watching my son experience and react to new things, I am curious as to the type of person he will be. I also cannot help but to ponder how his experiences with my wife and I, teachers, friends, and family will help shape his life and life choices.

I can say with much certainty that I would not be in higher education had it not been for certain people, formal and informal teachers, who helped me see the value of education.  I also know that as an educator, we enter this career with the understanding that we may receive little praise for our work. We accept the fact that we may never attend a black-tie event in our honor. For the most part, we are happy with the handful of students who say thank you at the end of the term or the one or two students who keep in touch many years after they take our courses.

So today, I want to take some time to thank two important educators/mentors who had a significant impact in my life.  The first is Lynda, my high school algebra/calculus teacher. She made it a point to use humor in her teaching but taught me that being the class clown would only get me through Clown College. Her frequent saying was, “You need to learn this people. You can’t take me to college in your jean pocket!” She was my first true academic mentor and twisted my arm to attend college after high school.

The other person that I want to thank is Leslie, a dear friend and former colleague who met me at a time when I had little belief in myself. Fresh off the end of a difficult long-term relationship and job promotion rejection, Leslie helped me put things in perspective. Whenever I would put myself down, she would say, “…that’s just crazy talk.” She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and helped me build confidence by encouraging me to find creative avenues to air out my frustrations. Due to her inspiration, I began to write a personal blog, joined a community college orchestra, and eventually decided to return to school to pursue and complete an advanced degree.

Although they are both out of my life now, I cannot help but be grateful for their patience, encouragement, selflessness, and positivity. I teach and educate in an effort to touch lives as they have touched mine. Take a moment to share your stories and/or thank those formal or informal educators who have impacted your decision to teach others.

from flickr user ebabin