Reconnecting with Teachers

Action #8

Looking back on my life, I believe that I can honestly say that teachers have been some of the must influential people in my life. From the very beginning of my educational career, I have always admired and emulated the teachers who taught with great passion and took the time to personally invest in my growth and development. From an early age, I knew that I, too, wanted to be a teacher someday and make a difference in students' lives. My desire to teach developed almost simultaneously alongside my passion for history, so of course, it seemed natural that I grow up to be a history teacher. Years later, here I am, majoring in social studies education.

I can pinpoint two teachers who have left lasting impressions on my life, one of them my high school history teacher, the other, my English and drama teacher. I took almost all of my history classes with Mrs. Huanquiri throughout high school, and even took an independent study on historiography with her. It seemed like Mrs. Huanquiri knew the answer to almost any question I would throw her way, and my curiosity and appetite to increase my knowledge was whetted whenever I was with her. I also really admired the fact that when those few occasions when she did not know the answer to a question arose, she would immediately go and look for the answer, or point me in the right direction to find the answer for myself. I still miss my classes with Mrs. Huanquiri, and to this day, I keep in contact with her, letting her know what I am learning and teaching in my field placements.

Miss Barlow, my English and theater teacher, is both a wonderful example of an effective teacher to me, and also a spiritual mentor and friend.

She presented information in class in a way that was both fun, engaging, and thought-provoking. She encouraged creativity, and pushed me to improve my writing and critical thinking. In theater, she gave me roles that challenged and stretched me, knowing it for the best. My senior year of high school, she led a small group/Bible study for me and a few other senior girls, showing us Christ's love in the way she lived her life and encouraging our own spiritual walks. Miss Barlow grew to be a mentor and good friend.

Now that I am in college, I am surrounded by a whole host of new, wonderful teachers, but I have not forgotten those teachers who blessed me throughout my high school years. Though I'll admit that correspondence is not my forte, I make an effort to keep in touch teachers like Miss Barlow and Mrs. Huanquiri. My first year of college was very difficult for me, and I frequently turned to people like Miss Barlow for advice, encouragement and prayer. Of course, I also know I can turn to them for recommendations for job interviews and the like, too! I know that I have lifelong allies and friends in these teachers and am grateful that God brought people like Miss Barlow and Mrs. Huanquiri into my life.