20 years. It's been twenty years since I graduated from college. Insane. I don't feel old enough to have been out of college or in the real world, working full-time, for twenty years.
I loved the four years I spent at Taylor University, but if I think about the people that really impacted my life, I can rattle off a laundry list of teachers I had from elementary to high school.
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to speak at a Mother's Day event and honor one of my former teachers. What an honor to be able to share, in front of an audience, the impact this teacher made in my life.
But then there are others, I've never shared my gratitude. Several years ago, I submitted a story to a Chicken Soup for the Soul book about a teacher that changed the course of my life. Debbie Jett. I was a manager of a track team, and at a meet she made me jump in and run a race. I HATED running. But that one race, and her belief in me, lead to a lifetime of running. Running is how I got into college. Running is how I survived the police academy. Running has been a part of some of my biggest dream list items. Besides this paragraph, I've never shared all of this with her. I need to mail her the story I wrote.
I've given you a little insight into a teacher that made a difference in my life. What teacher made a difference in your life? How did they make a difference in your life? Take a moment to go back to the good old days and remember and be thankful for the teachers in our lives.
Day 4 Giving Challenge: Write a note to a teacher that has made a difference in your life. Be specific in telling them how they made a difference in your life. If the teacher you thought of is no longer living, write one of their family members. I know it will mean more to them than you can imagine.
Did you know... there are over 3.6 million teachers in the United States. WOW!
Chat with your Children: Talk to your child about their teacher, past or present. What did they like about their teacher? How did their teacher help them? Have them write a note to their teacher they had last year and give it to their teacher at the start of the new year. The note will give their teacher a little encouragement to start the new year, but may also brighten their day when everything isn't going so well.
Bonus Story: On June 17th the small community, where I grew up, lost a legendary teacher. I'm not sure, besides her husband, there's been another teacher that has made such an impact. Here's a post I wrote to honor her memory.
Blessings,
Stephanie L. Jones