Dear Diary, I Wish I Was More Like My Teacher.

As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, I am reflecting on all the teachers that have made my life what it is. In fact, I wouldn’t even be here if two teachers hadn’t fallen in love and moved to Alquina, IN to later raise my grandfather, who raised my father, who raised me with … a teacher. Guess what I’ll be doing someday? Raising my own family with … a teacher. Generational habits die hard I suppose!

Likely similar to all of you, I have rich memories, mostly fond ones, of my teachers growing up. There’s Mrs. Anderson who taught me about establishing friendships. Mrs. Taylor who showed me how powerful I am. Mr. Meyer who taught me about accountability and acceptance. Mr. Greenwood who taught me to relish in being me. Mrs. Libecap who taught me that I’m worthy of good things. Mr. Hofer who inspired me to pursue higher education which led me to where I am today. What about Mrs. Dunn who inspires me to pursue my passions? Ms. Waters who teaches me to speak up for myself? Mr. Waters who shows me how to go for what I want every single day?

Each of these people has a specialty, of course. They taught me all about history, math, science, English, and writing. But, I think clearly one of the biggest things they taught me was to be a caring and courageous person, just like each of them. None of us knew in those moments that that’s what I would remember after 20, 15, 5 years or from yesterday’s conversation. I studied and did the work well, but what I did the most was grow my heart.

I wonder what things people remember from how I treated them 20 years ago. Actually, that thought quite terrifies me. What about in the last 14 years since I joined the workforce? I know I’ve always given every job my best, came when expected, volunteered, caused no trouble. A+ work if a teacher were grading my performance. But, what about all that other stuff? Would I get an A+ on how I treated every client, every coworker, every leader every time? Probably not. One of the things I appreciated the most from my teachers is that every single one of the people mentioned above let/lets me have bad days. I could be in a mood. I could act out. I could get frustrated, and the next day it was forgiven, and we moved on. Do I bring my coworkers the same grace when we stumble, fail, or have bad days? Probably not every time for the last 14 years.

After spending the week ruminating on all my teachers, I’m setting a challenge for myself this week to be less of a worker and more of a teacher. To forgive and forget. To support and help grow. But mostly, to show my teammates the power and expertise in their work, and to be the cheerleader that helps fill them with the confidence to cherish who they uniquely are, to speak up for themselves and advocate for their needs and to courageously pursue their dreams—all while getting my own work and life done, too. I hope 14 years from today, the people I’m surrounded by now will look back on today and smile on our time together.

I express my sincerest gratitude to all of the teachers who got me here and continue to support me. It takes a most special person to put up with all the disparaging remarks, tantrums, fights, (and lack of resources, low pay, little support, etc.) and still have a smile on your face the next day. To continue to provide equal access to learning and growing and to ceaselessly develop the next generation of leaders. And, to do this with all your mentees, in and out of the classroom, on and off the clock while battling your own mountains like illnesses, miscarriages, and loss. Your dedication to our society doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated. I am so deeply thankful for our connection.