Love letter to… Teachers. Illustration by: Matt Fabrizio
Professors and teachers seem to be the constant in our lives, and even when we leave the world of academia, we may find ourselves still learning from individuals with more experience than us.
I remember the first teacher who made me believe I could write, and of course, the first teacher who made me believe I couldn’t. Then, I met a professor at the University of Rhode Island who told me that the only person who can limit anything I do is myself.
Whether you’ve had amazing educators or some who were not that great, we all tend to remember them, even the ones from kindergarten.
These people shape our lives and make us question everything in the world. They try to help you answer hard hitting questions, ask new ones and, even if you end up at square one again, they are still there to help you along the way.
In the past, I actually thought I wanted a career in teaching to carry on the abilities some of my own teachers have shown me that allowed me to believe in myself.
However, I’ve learned that teachers do not end at educators. The term also encompasses caretakers, parents, coaches, managers, peers and older siblings who are, in a sense, teachers. You don’t need a degree to become a teacher. In fact, as long as you’re learning you can always teach someone down the line.
I believe that is the best lesson I have learned as a writer. I find myself YouTubing “how to become a best-selling author” or “writing tips from famous authors,” and there is one common thread with all of the websites I search and the self-help books I continue to buy: they encourage practice.
There is a cycle of learn, fail, repeat which is promoted by most people. In my experiences, even the professors I wasn’t particularly fond of made me feel okay when I failed.
When I sobbed on my pre-calculus test in high school my teacher shook his head and told me everything would be fine. Except when you’re a senior in high school failing pre-calc, nothing feels fine.
That teacher sat with me everyday after school to teach me logs, exponents and functions. I still didn’t get it. Yet, I went from a grade of 59 to 70 in about three months.
I prefer to avoid math as a 21 year old, but because of that teacher, I know it’s not impossible for me to understand it, even if I don’t have a knack for numbers.
I practiced and I learned and I failed and I tried again. I struggle to allow myself to fail, but it gets easier with every teacher that comes in my direction who gives me that space.
Moreover, I think that these people show us the versions of ourselves that we should be. Humans are meant to be creatures who are curious and supportive; who seek to learn and communicate. No matter what job or position you hold, you will need these skills to be successful.
Who was your favorite teacher? In school? Outside of school? Do you think you’ve taught someone something?
Teachers are important and they will never disappear or not be vital to a growing community and society. We need them because without them, we will never be sure of our full potential.