Wednesday, May 28, 2014
A Voice From the Past
About three weeks ago I got a surprise phone call from a former student. We're talking way back - Karen was in my class in 1970.
I had married Tom in the spring of 1969, where we both taught in the same school. That next school year, fall of 1969, I was required to transfer to another school. Married couples were not allowed to teach in the same school. I transferred from Mt. View to Sunny Terrace.
My first year there was kind of tough, with a large class and neighborhood disputes carrying over into the classroom. But my second and third year were much better, and that's when Karen Whelan was in my class.
Karen had found a contact number somehow and called me out of the blue. I remembered her fairly well and even more so when I checked back to my career album of old class photos. In her 50's, she is a lawyer with the Assistant Attorney General's Office in Las Vegas. We exchanged blog addresses and linked up on Facebook. Through these connections I have heard from a few more students for that class.
I went back and read posts on Karen's blog that told the story of her trek to Base Camp of Mt Everest two years ago. She is now training for Machu Picchu. She is a remarkable woman.
Wednesday I settled down to catch up on my blog reading and I found a new posting from Karen. What it said blew me away. Entitled "Adventure In Learning", it tells of her love of reading and the part I play in developing that love. I encourage you to follow the link and read her post, especially if you are one of the many retired or active teachers on my blog roll.
You never know the impact you might have on others as you go through life. If you are lucky, you might get a blast from the past that lets you know of one such impact, and warms your heart.
(This is my second posting for today, because this just happened. Be sure to scroll down and see the beautiful Iris Festival in the previous post)
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Amazing, Linda. You really do not know all the impact you have on young lives. How very cool that one of them took the time and trouble to let you know!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Her post brought tears to my eyes--so touching.
ReplyDeleteOh, she told the story of the young, pretty teacher who is my blog friend so very, very well! Everybody was fortunate! You changed her life and brought back memories of those teachers who did the same for me. :-)
ReplyDeleteteaching little ones is always a challenge and it's rare that you hear from former students-congrats on making a difference!
ReplyDeleteWell! Hello there Mrs. Reeder! I am happy to have been able to let you know who you were in my life. And despite decades passing, continued to be. If I am remarkable, it is in no small part because of you. Did I say that right? Let me try again...you were a big part of that. You were the kind of teacher I would have wanted to be. And you came at the right time for me. I don't know where I learned it...maybe from not having much money growing up so not really being able to buy commercial gifts that much for others. But I learned that telling people who they are to you is important. Letting them know you appreciate them may just be a gift to them as well. So I am glad I was able to let you know as I have thought much about those two years and my friends and the life lessons you taught. Your easy demeanor and absolute brilliance were endearing and captivating. Hope to meet up while I am in Seattle!
ReplyDeleteThese are awesome experiences for a teacher when you meet someone from the distant past and hear how you influenced them. Large classes? Many kids get lost there. It's good to hear that some good was done.
ReplyDeleteLovely post, I have such memories of my own teachers. Good to hear your students have reached out to let you know how important you are to them and were during their school years. You rock!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on making a difference, Linda. I added Karen's blog to my blog roll.
ReplyDeleteTeachers, especially the good ones, often shape our lives. You must feel some pride in helping to shape such a fine lady.
ReplyDeleteWarms my heart!
ReplyDeleteLoved reading this. I'm sure you were an amazing and memorable teacher. It is nice when a student actually tells you about how you influenced a life.
ReplyDeleteThis is so very awesome! It's always wonderful to hear from your old students. You were obviously the sort of teacher who was a lasting, positive, happy influence in your students' lives.
ReplyDelete