Obviously, as a future educator, I can’t help but feel like I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance of my own teachers. I feel really lucky to say I have had quite a few teachers and professors that have been overly good to me, long past what the job descriptions requires. In high school and college alone, I have several that I still keep in touch with! I can’t stress enough the gratitude I feel, especially with Teacher Appreciation Day coming up.
A couple nights ago, I got dinner and ice cream with my high school Spanish (…and french…) teacher, and I’m so grateful to say we’ve formed a lasting friendship. I had her all four years of high school and, at this point, we’ve been friends for about ten years. (What?! Stop.) My Mom still remembers saying to her at her first parent/teacher conference with Noreen: “You’re going to be that teacher that’s at my daughter’s wedding!” and she was totally 100% right! I spent such a significant amount of time in her room from the ages of 13-17, and went to her with all my dramas and college situations. She understands who I am, and has consistently been there when I needed her. Even when it was a tearful phone call from college when I thought I was going to fail a Spanish exam! Without getting too sappy, I know she’s a life long friend, and that I’m one of many who she has had such a profound effect on.
In elementary school, I was lucky enough to have a remarkable teacher for both 3rd and 5th grade (4th grade was a little rocky for me…) I babysat her oldest daughter when she was a toddler and have even met up with her for drinks and dinner in New York. She had such a impact on my life as a younger student, really giving me the confidence to be exactly who I really was. I still remember the comfort of her classroom, and truly feel she changed my life as a learner and a person. She was exactly who I needed at that age, and has been with me every step of the way: every performance and graduation, she’s always been there to support me.
I can’t say I’m one of those people that knew I was going to be a teacher from a young age. I always had an attraction to the job, but felt I couldn’t betray my younger self by not giving acting a fair chance. Once I realized that didn’t make me happy the way I thought it did, choosing education was such an easy choice. I feel so comfortable in the job environment, adore the kids, and can only hope I have the effect that these two women, and many others, have had on me. <3
Who was your favorite teacher?
