Gratitude to Teachers and Mentors
Take the time to shape the next generation
I walk into Middle School in a new place and meet a teacher who would come to impact my life in an unimaginably positive way. Mr. B, my 5th grade teacher, towered over me as he introduced himself. In the coming months, I learned about writing, art, history, and deer — literally seeing him dissect a deer in our classroom.
But it was the daily interactions with us, the words of wisdom about money and hygiene and language and familial love, that stuck.
When I found out I was moving (again) at the end of the year and Mr. B (after 32 years teaching) was retiring, I knew I wanted to stay in touch. This was 1990. Before bag phones, internet, or social media. On the last day of school, I gave him a pen set that he proclaimed, “Beautiful.” He went on to tell me how special I was out of all the students he’d taught over the years. I left out the doors that afternoon nearly forgetting to ask his address. Realizing my mistake, I raced back inside as the buses waited, and he scrawled the information down — both of us in near tears that the “end” had come so quickly… his career and my time there.
We have now exchanged letters and Christmas cards and the occasional phone call now for more than 25 years.
During times of upheaval or turmoil, I received wise advice; during times of joy, I received his own stories of gardens and retirement and his handwritten biography of his young years growing up during World War II. When I asked relationship advice, Mr. B took the time to consult his beloved wife, E, and share with me their mutual wisdom on what it takes to find and live a life together with that special someone.
Just a few years ago, I received a special gift from Mr. B meant for my son — a brilliant, loving legacy he wished to pass on to my child. The friendship that began when I was just realizing what real friendship was…flourished, blossoming into an example of friendship spanning the distance of miles and generations.
In an age of cynicism and youth-obsessed culture, many judge what they do not understand. Older people with experience and wisdom to share find themselves nudged (or shoved) aside in favor of younger folks who might learn a thing or two from those ahead of them on the path — if they are made to pay attention(!). Mr. B took me under his wing and mentored me as I grew up.
I’m sad when I hear or see stories of neglect and disrespect regarding those seasoned men and women who have far more to give before they’re done with life. I’m also disheartened, however, when I see those going into their later years simply whiling away time by sitting around merely watching television or drinking or you-name-your-favorite-time-wasting activity here when they fail to recognize how much love, knowledge, or encouragement they have yet to lavish on those coming behind them who so desperately need attention and care rather than a screen or device in front of them.
At a time when education is politicized, curriculum prioritized, and teachers tested as much as students — I consider what it really means to teach young people. I think about the importance of the teachers who influenced me (I can name nearly all from kindergarten through college).
I come to the same conclusion each time: If a young person leaves my classroom and has not learned something about being a better person, respecting self and others, creating a better part of the world where they live, or looking at life from a different perspective, then I have failed them as a person and not just as a student. I owe it to them, just as Mr. B passed life lessons on to me, to share in the gift of LIFE with them.
I hope and pray each day that students benefit from a positive interaction with me, that I offer skills for language and life. For as long as I am able, through personal contact and speaking and writing, I hope I have the opportunity to teach and encourage, to leave a legacy of love and passion for learning, and always seek to help others.
God bless all of those who have and do continue to teach. God bless those teachers in schools and out, the parents who take time to teach and shepherd rather than the easy way of permissiveness, the young people who teach and share each day with one another and those younger than themselves… and so the cycle continues.
Don’t miss a moment!
Students, seek out teachers and mentors — do not be afraid to pursue your passion through learning from others’ paths!
Experienced folks and seasoned veterans: be generous with your time and remain aware of the fact that none of us have much time at all here. We’re mere mist. Find your “angelfish,” (as Sam Clemens called them) and adopt them, love them and teach them with the foresight necessary to propel them forward in this world.
Don’t take the next 86,400 seconds for granted. Share what you know and love, and your life will not be wasted.
Thank you for reading, clapping, commenting, following, and supporting. I appreciate you joining me for this bit of the journey!
