My first semester of college I somehow signed up for Econ 101. I was one of four girls in the class and I had no idea what Econ even was. It was one of the required courses so I took it not knowing what the hell I was getting myself into. Turns out, even while taking the class I had no idea what Econ was. Luckily I had a friend in the class who helped me understand the homework and we studied for tests and some of the guys even offered to study together (my boy crazy self secretly/not so secretly enjoyed that part).
However, there was only so much my fellow classmates could do for me. Numerous times I stayed after class to get help from the professor, Dr. Z, and she willingly stayed and helped me understand. Not only that but I will never forget one time in class when she introduced something new and then asked “Everyone get it?” and almost everyone said yes while I just had a blank stare on my face. Dr. Z then said “Katelin, do you need me to explain it again?” and it wasn’t in a mean way, it was in a way that she wasn’t trying to embarrass me at all but she wanted me to learn. So I proudly stated that I was in fact lost on what she had just said and if she could repeat it that would be great.
I could have curled up into a ball of embarrassment (I mean my class was practically all guys and three really smart girls, hello, intimidating) but I didn’t. My classmates didn’t care, my teacher was happy to teach and I was willing and trying my hardest to learn.
By the end of the semester I managed to get an A- and I know that if it wasn’t for Dr. Z’s patience and helpfulness that that never would have happened (it’s also due to awesome study partners and working my ass off, but still). I owe a lot to Dr. Z and practically ever teacher I’ve ever had. From elementary school through college I had amazing teachers that were always willing to help me and teach me everything they knew. And sometimes I just don’t feel like I ever thank them enough.
I wish I could go back to every teach and honestly say “Thank you, you helped change my life.” I admit, I didn’t love every teacher I ever had but I always learned something from them and looking back, that’s what was most important.
So with that, I leave you with a task. Thank a teacher today. Thank any teacher. Thank Brandy or Amy or Erin or Amanda or any other fabulous blogger that’s a teacher. If you were homeschooled, thank your parents. If you have kids in school, thank their teachers. If you have an aunt, an uncle, a random cousin that’s a teacher, thank them too. Thank any teacher today because they all deserve to be thanked and let’s be honest, they don’t hear it nearly enough.
So teachers everywhere, Thank You. Love, everyone.
happy wednesday!
Posted in Me Things
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh I love this post! GREAT teachers only come every once in a while, and it’s so important to acknowledge the amazingness that they are. I’ve had a few sprinkled in my different schools and I remember them all very fondly. Teachers are SO important, I think most kids wouldn’t be where they are today without the good ones!
This made my day. I’m lucky- I get to work now with a lot of the teachers who made a difference in my life growing up so I get to thank you to them on the regular. Of course it’s awkward when you also realize your co-worker was the one who taught you sex ed, but I figure things all even out in the end. Thank you for the shout out!
I love this, my favorite teacher (Jan S., 8th-10th grade theater/debate) absolutely changed my entire life. What a great post!
(Also, as an Econ major I totally understand the male/female ratio of econ classes, as you get into the higher levels it only gets worse. There were more than a few semesters where I was the only female in my class. #girlsrule)
xox
Awww, you are too sweet! Thanks for writing this. I’ve been having a rough week, so this was a lovely little pick-me-up
I love this post so much, I might copy it. Thanks for this.
Just love. I also love this post so much I might do the same.
Love this post! Like you econ was one of those “do I have to?” classes. Totally disliked it… but my teacher was awesome and so were the TA’s we had for that class.
Such a great idea to remember to thank those who got us to where we are today!
My favorite teacher was my calculus teacher in college..she literally helped me after every class with what basically was my 8th grade math intelligence level.. to say I earned a B+ in that class is one of my highest accomplishments. She said she wished she could have just given me an A. The best part? All the hockey players got A’s in the class because they had all the tests passed down to them from previous hockey players that had taken the class.
But anyway, I wanted to tell the internet about her
LOVE this! As a girl from an education-employed family, I completely understand how important and sometimes thankless their jobs are. Love that you are giving them the kudos too
Love this post! There are so many amazing teachers out there and I wish I could thank all of them for being so great. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to be taught by some of those awesome educators! They helped make me who I am today.
I love this post! I’ve been thinking a lot about teachers and professors who have changed my life and as I’ve continued my education, these people have become more and more important to me. They’ve really had a huge impact on my life and I’d probably be in a much different place without them.