May 5, 2026 · 1 hr 5 min · 19 segments
we often write open letters to our past loves or family members... but what about our teachers? in this heartfelt episode, jen, emily, and madelyn each read open letters they wrote to the teachers who…
Jennifer HanHost
Emily LinHostMadelyn OngHost
When I think of you, the first thing I always see in my mind is the sparkle you always seem to have in your eye, like Santa Claus, but better.
It was always as if you had a little secret and you're about to tell me at any moment.
The way your face lit up every time you greeted me or saw me on campus made me feel like I really mattered.
And in the volatile years of high school, I needed that more than I even realized at the time.
I think of all the times we were up late chatting in the dorm room, common room.
I remember so clearly just how present you were in asking me questions and patiently listening to me babble on about the tumultuous high school happenings of the day.
I think about how I got to see you live so many areas of your life beyond just being my teacher.
Who you were as a community member, as a passionate historian, as an activist, as a joyful yogi and knitting lover, as a generous chef, as a present mother and wife to your family, and as a faithful mentor to my friends, and the list goes on and on.
In many ways, you were one of the few female role models I saw during the formative years of my life.
If some girls grow up wanting to be like Barbie or Wonder Woman, I would be proud to grow up one day and be like you.
The thing I admire most about you was how you showed me how tough love and tender love could coexist together.
Thank you for always caring for me in the purest way possible, prioritizing my growth over my comfort because you knew that it was best for me.
The first one is a freshman fall end of term feedback session where you shot me straight and gave me really real feedback that helped me grow.
The sophomore spring library fiasco You really trusted me when I was scared and waiting to be reprimanded, but you were one of the first adults to trust me when I didn't think I deserved it, and you showed me grace when I didn't know what that was at all.
I wish I could have told you all these things in the moment, but my high school self was truly too far at my own ass to realize all the ways that you cared for me so tenderly and so fully.
When I think of you, the first thing I always see in my mind is the sparkle you always seem to have in your eye, like Santa Claus, but better.
It was always as if you had a little secret and you're about to tell me at any moment.
The way your face lit up every time you greeted me or saw me on campus made me feel like I really mattered.
And in the volatile years of high school, I needed that more than I even realized at the time.
I think of all the times we were up late chatting in the dorm room, common room.
I remember so clearly just how present you were in asking me questions and patiently listening to me babble on about the tumultuous high school happenings of the day.
I think about how I got to see you live so many areas of your life beyond just being my teacher.
Who you were as a community member, as a passionate historian, as an activist, as a joyful yogi and knitting lover, as a generous chef, as a present mother and wife to your family, and as a faithful mentor to my friends, and the list goes on and on.
In many ways, you were one of the few female role models I saw during the formative years of my life.
If some girls grow up wanting to be like Barbie or Wonder Woman, I would be proud to grow up one day and be like you.
The thing I admire most about you was how you showed me how tough love and tender love could coexist together.
Thank you for always caring for me in the purest way possible, prioritizing my growth over my comfort because you knew that it was best for me.
The first one is a freshman fall end of term feedback session where you shot me straight and gave me really real feedback that helped me grow.
The sophomore spring library fiasco You really trusted me when I was scared and waiting to be reprimanded, but you were one of the first adults to trust me when I didn't think I deserved it, and you showed me grace when I didn't know what that was at all.
I wish I could have told you all these things in the moment, but my high school self was truly too far at my own ass to realize all the ways that you cared for me so tenderly and so fully.
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