The Lasting Impact of Teachers

Teachers are so impactful, right? Teachers just have this way of influencing us, of growing us, of filling us with pride and joy and understanding and knowledge and discipline in a way that just, I don't know anybody else who can do that.

I think back to these educators who had this profound impact on my life.

I think back to Mrs. Bandy.

and the way that she just had this grace to help a kid who was sad feel better.

I think back to Mr. Peters, who just helped me get through my parents' divorce.

I think back to Mr. Schuyler and the discipline and the boundaries that he drew for me.

Mrs. Perry, who taught me discipline and attention to detail.

I think about Mr. Peters and the way that he has helped my daughter grow so much this year.

Mr. Phillips, the way he's helped my daughter grow so much this year.

I think about the impact that you all have on students.

And it just it makes me so grateful to get to connect with you.

Right.

Like that's that's really what it comes down to.

I'm having dinner tonight.

I'm just thinking about this right now.

I got a Facebook message from a former student last week.

And we'll call him Drew, just because I don't have his permission to share his story.

But I got a Facebook message from Drew last week.

And Drew just sent this thing about, hey, I was really, really difficult when I was in your class a long time ago.

And I just want you to let you know that, you know, even though my life was messed up, I shouldn't have treated you that way.

But I'm really grateful for you.

And he sent this beautiful little message.

And he says, do you think we could ever get together? Just so I can see you one more time.

I just like sometimes you get these messages that are just it reminds you that the hard work was worth it.

And so tonight, Drew and I are going to go and meet at a Korean barbecue place and eat chicken together.