A Teacher's Treasure, Redux

Every once in awhile, a person lucky enough to be doing what they were meant to do in life gets an affirmation that they've chosen the right vocation. In my eight years as a teacher, I've had several of these moments. I love what I do! I first decided to become a teacher because I knew deep inside of me that I was meant to help others in some way. I was reminded that earlier today.

Sometime during the day I got a visit from a former student, a young lady whom I first met in the 6^th grade. At that time, she spoke not a word of English. Elizabeth was always the fiery type, resisting my directions for her to use English instead of her native Spanish in her interactions with her fellow students. She was well educated in her country and with a little pushing from me she did learn enough English to be found proficient by the powers that be here in New York two years ago, at the end of her freshman year in high school.

In my years in teaching, I've managed to create a family-like atmosphere in my classroom, a home away from home for my students, who often have no place else in school where they feel comfortable. Elizabeth, along with many of my former students, comes to visit me regularly to say hello or just shoot the breeze. So when she walked into my classroom this afternoon, I thought nothing of it.

"Mr. Myers, I have something I want to give you," she said as she walked in the door. She put her purse down on my desk and fished inside for a piece of paper, all folded up. She pulled it out and handed it to me, explaining that she had had an assignment in her English class to write a thank you letter to someone she felt deserved it. It was addressed to me:

Dear Mr. Myers,

I'm writing this little note to you, just to let you know the impact you've had on my life. Since the first moment I met you, back in 2005, my life has changed so much. I remember it was my first year in school and in the U.S. I felt so sad and upset all the time by not being able to communicate with my peers. I remember some people trying to talk to me, but I didn't understand what they were saying.

Thanks to you, you guided me through my whole education...you've been so much more than a teacher to me. You have been my friend, my guide, and sometimes you made me feel like I was a part of your own family. I remember how you pushed me all the time to speak English, because I never wanted to speak it. You were always there when I was upset, or when I had problems with my family or my friends. When I didn't have anyone to turn to, you have always been there for me.

And what's more special about you is that you let us know, that even if we're not part of ESL class anymore, that we still have a place to come and visit whenever we want to. You are such an amazing and wonderful person. You're one of those people that I always want to make proud...I never want to disappoint you.

Clearly, you are one of the best people I've ever met in my life. Keep up with your personality, don't ever change, and never lose the most important thing about you Mr. Myers...that is your SMILE! Every day it shines people's hearts like me!

Love Elizabeth

As I read the letter, Elizabeth watched me from the other side of the classroom. Of course, I couldn't help but tear up a little as I read her heartwarming words. To me, all of the things she said were describing me just doing my job, but to her it was much more than that. Her letter confirmed for me that I am indeed doing the work I was born to do. Once I was done reading the letter, she walked back over to my desk to give me a hug and then she left.

Elizabeth's letter was a reminder to me that I have made a difference in this world, in my own little way. No matter what we do for a living, whether we're a doctor, a lawyer, a sales clerk in a store, an artist, or even a postal worker, I believe that we all have the opportunity to affect others in a positive way, to contribute to the larger society. If you feel unhappy with what you're doing, don't settle. Seek out what makes you happy and you'll be making a difference in no time.

For similar stories, please see:

Finding a Career that Fits

Teaching ESL

Breaking Down Barriers in Prejudice

A Teacher's Treasure

Changing Careers: My Story