Teachers Leave A Lifetime Imprint On Our Lives And In Our Hearts

Teachers play a vital role in the lives of their students. With the high current cost of living, while parents work longer hours some students find they are now spending more time with their teachers than parents on many days. This makes the teacher role, and the lasting impact they can have on student lives, one of the utmost importance. With teacher appreciation week just around the bend (May 8, 2023-May 12, 2023.) I decided to take a look at some career decisions I made, and review which teacher I felt had played an impactful role in shaping the career path I chose to step in to. In fact, one played a major role and caused me to make a complete turn around in college, just when I thought I had my path laid out.

During my early years of college I found myself registered for an English class taught by Professor Carolyn Allen. An older, perky woman with a passion for English courses, writing, women's equality...she proudly exclaimed the course would begin daily with students writing quietly and freely for 15 minutes on any subject that peaked their interest. I have to admit I was not happy, because that seemed to be a long time for me to write about topics that I felt I needed to dig around in my brain for. In fact, the more I thought about having to do this, the more stressful it became. The first day was a challenge, but I wrote about something that recently happened which I found joyful. The next day there she was again, with her larger than life smile and excitement for us to begin writing. Day after day I sat down with my spiral notebook and let my thoughts flow freely. By day four I noticed something happening. It wasn't as challenging to come up with things to write about. In fact, I was beginning to look forward to these moments of quiet and expression freedom. The more I wrote, the more I began to believe that doing this was something I wanted to incorporate in to a career.

A meeting with the university counselor followed, and a career change it was. I had felt for years I knew exactly what I wanted to do, but the excitement and new introduction of the possibilities that could be from Professor Allen put me on a new course of discovery. I never looked back, only forward. Her joy was contagious, and now as I followed the steps in to a new path, I began to take on her excitement as well.

Now, as a teacher and author I strive to leave an imprint on each student I work with. It is my hope that they too will experience the passion and love of the lessons taught, and written words read. Perhaps one day they may find that lessons I share can influence future loves, and decisions they make. A road to discovery. If I can do that for just one individual, I know I have succeeded.

I was saddened to learn Professor Allen passed in early 2023. I don't think she ever knew the strength she brought to me. However, the influence she made in my life continues to live on. That positivity will allow me to continue to educate, and make an impact for others throughout my lifetime. For that I am grateful.