Gladly Would I Teach

The generosity of students at Christmas always amazes me. I spent most of the day yesterday writing thank-you notes for all of the gifts I received on Thursday and Friday.  Judging from the gifts, it’s hard to believe we are still in the throes of a major recession.

From hand soap and cream, to books, to gift cards, to tea, home-baked sweets, teacups, socks, note cards, tree ornaments, candles, an iced tea pitcher, earrings, and candy, the gifts are as varied as the students I teach.

The most creative gift came from a student who actually made me a personalized serving spoon by wrapping beads around the handle.

One thoughtful gift came from a student who gave me a copy of Jeannette Walls’ new novel, Half Broke Horses. We read The Glass Castle, her first book, earlier in the semester.

The final gift came from a former student I cherish who sent me a beautiful Christmas wreath that I found on my front porch when I pulled into my driveway at the end of the day.

My favorite gifts are always the poignant words students express in the cards and letters that they give me at the end of the semester. Like most teachers, when the semester closes, I am so tired and wonder if I will regain the strength and enthusiasm to begin yet another new semester in January.

Just when I think it’s time to retire, I read notes from students, and, perhaps it’s a sign of age, but it’s hard not to cry when students express gratitude.

I would like you to know I have never had a teacher who has impacted me as much as you have. You found a way to connect to all of my personal needs and struggles.

The world needs more people like you and I feel privileged to know you as my teacher, mentor, and friend.

Yours is a kind soul coupled with a spirit of joy and a readiness for laughter. I look forward to third period each day because I know, no matter how down I may be, no matter how bad my day has been, Dr. Parrott will always do something to make me feel better, be it playing with a camera or becoming all of a sudden fascinated with my love for the color purple.

Your class has changed me, Dr. Parrott, in more ways than can fit on this paper. It has brought values which lived deep inside me to the surface and has truly changed the way I live my life.

After you gave every student that book with the class picture and saying posted inside, it made me realize that I am a different person than I was on the first day of senior year. You have taught me that I have a voice and people will listen to what I have to say.

Oh, the presents are nice, and the baked goods and candy are delicious. Nothing, however, surpasses the lovely notes that make us remember why we became teachers!

I think I’m going to bookmark this post and refer to it in the future when I have one of those “What am I doing here” days!