In 11th grade I had my first class with my twin sister since kindergarten. It was an English class which she had been dreading and I couldn’t wait for, Our teacher, Mr.s S, took a rather special interest in the two of us. I was never sure why, but I am going to assume he wondered what everyone did about us; how are two girls, the exact same age, raised in the exact same environment so different from each other?
We weren’t the only students he took a special interest in because it was honestly the entire class. He read a book my friend Katie recommended to him, and never forced any of the shy kids to participate. Overall, I remember him being a good teacher and a good man, for more than one reasons.
One day during class he asked me if I ever wrote for fun. I was shocked at the question because no one had ever asked me that; even though I’ve been writing stories and essays for years. For the first time ever I let someone else’s eyes look at my work. I had romantic stories, mysteries, and even some essays on religion and the meaning of live. He showed up the next day in class and said to me, “Thank you for letting me read your writing.” I waited for him to say more, but he didn’t until the end of the day. Now, I am uncertain of the exact words we both said, but I remember feeling elated at the sound of someone who had read my work and appreciated it.
I know that maybe this memory does not have much impact on anyone but myself, however, I remember feeling for the first time a sense of pride and comfort at school. It was in that moment that I knew if I needed something I had someone I could trust. Trust is something that is necessary in classrooms. Teachers can’t teach if they don’t trust their students, and students won’t listen much less learn from their teachers if they don’t trust them. It took me a long time to find a teacher I could trust and a teacher that inspired me. I hope that one day I can be that for one of my students.
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