A Letter To My Grade School Teachers | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

A Letter To My Grade School Teachers

"I'm not going to cry. I'm not going to cry." (You guys know I cried.)

87
A Letter To My Grade School Teachers
Jackson Advocate Online

I don’t think there was a kid on this planet who loved school as much as I did when I was younger. Summer was way too boring and all I wanted to do was get back with my friends and work on my multiplication tables because I genuinely thought they were cool. I loved science. I REALLY loved English (short stories were totally my thing, can you tell?). And of course I loved recess and gym class with all of my friends (you will NEVER find a fun equal to that damn parachute, I wish the whole world could start their day inside one of those paradises of happiness).

Of course grade school was hands down, easily the most exciting because of all the cool trips, bake sales, Christmas decorations, and overall just FUN. But the real reason that I loved elementary school wasn’t due to the games, AR points, field trips, or even the holiday themed parties. The real reason I looked forward to going to school every day was because I got to learn from the person I looked up to the most outside of my parents.

The figurative pedestal that I put my elementary school teachers on was unmatched by anyone else on this planet. I. Thought. They. Knew. Everything. I thought they were the smartest people in the world and God made them teachers so that we could all be as smart as they were. Their warm and welcoming faces are memories that I will hold on to forever.

The lessons that you taught us so young really have carried over and looking back, I can clearly see the underlying messages (you clever little genius devils, you). Second grade-me heard “use your class time wisely” while semi-adultish me hears “procrastination is the root of all evil… and that essay is due at midnight.” Fourth grade-me heard “play nice with each other!” adultish me hears “yeah, she might actually be Satan herself but she’s your lab partner for the semester, so deal with it.” Kindergarten me heard “wash your hands so you don’t get sick” adult me hears “you have 3 exams and 5 papers within the next two weeks, you don’t have time to get sick.” Regardless of the reminder, it always came from a place of wisdom and love, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Thank you so much for all that you did for us. Your compassion and love for teaching was so obvious and crucial to our learning. I know it couldn’t have been easy day in and day out, and there were probably times when you questioned why you even got into teaching, but take it from a kid who thought you absolutely hung the moon; you are so very appreciated. Yes, sometimes it feels like you are a doormat. But sometimes you’re the only smiling face a kid sees all day. Sometimes you’re the only mother/father figure someone has in his or her life. And sometimes you’re just flat out adored without even knowing it (I still think my second grade teacher was the prettiest lady I had ever seen. You go Ms. Tony, work those gauchos and Birkenstocks, girl).

So if you have the blessing of being a teacher, no matter what grade level, please understand the impact you have on your kids. They look up to you way more than you realize and really do mimic the example you set for them. The passion that my third grade teacher had for science literally had such an influence on my decision to be a biology major in college. The way my fifth grade teacher made multiplication tables a race fueled my drive and competitiveness in academics that stayed with me all throughout high school. I really do believe that creating a playing field is what helped me eventually earn my scholarship, knowing that if I wanted something I had to work for it, just like those fifth grade times table games.

So as we get back into the swing of things and find our routines again, teachers please remember how important you are. We looked up to our grade school instructors so much. Thank you for all the extra hours you put in that go unnoticed by everyone. Thank you for the little things you did that made kids like me fall in love with school. And just thank you for being such a selfless person that you dedicate your lives to children’s betterment. That is absolutely something to be proud of.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

9478
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

4187
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

3053
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

2765
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments