An Open Letter To The Teacher Who Changed My Life | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

An Open Letter To The Teacher Who Changed My Life

You taught me more than just theology.

Victoria Polera
Aug 22, 2016
Adelphi University
16
An Open Letter To The Teacher Who Changed My Life
jewishcurrents.org

Dear Mrs. C,

It may sound slightly cheesy, but ever since sophomore year, I never knew my life would change so drastically. It feels like yesterday, when I was sitting in the second row from the door listening to you speak and teach us about theology. I didn’t speak very much, but you would always offer us opportunities at school to expand our faith. I became a retreat leader quite quickly and realized that being involved at school and being involved in my religion at the same time was so rewarding. Slowly but surely, I became a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. We soon developed a bond. Some mornings I would go to mass to lector and you were always there to greet me. We would do our regular hellos and goodbyes, then junior and senior year flew by and I was ready to graduate. I will always remember the day I walked in for graduation. You greeted my parents and I as we checked in and you said to my parents, “You have an incredible daughter." My parents simply thanked you and as you complimented me and then I got ready to leave. It was a bittersweet moment, but I knew I would be back to visit!

But this isn’t to describe our relationship or reassure you that you made a huge impact on me. We both know how much you changed my life for the better. This is explaining how you did this and why it was so important to me. People of faith sometimes teach Catholicism in a pushy manner and that is why I think most people shy away from religion. We are taught that our actions need to match our words and that’s how you taught. You taught us what the Bible said, and you abode by every teaching. You were never hypocritical.

You have taught me to be honest and loving, more than I was before I met you. I used to go to church regularly, but never got the full experience. I realized how important God is in my life and how important you are in my life because you brought me closer to God. I will always love you and keep in touch because you have truly changed my life for the better. Thank you for everything you have done for me.

Love always,

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

6 Signs You Are An English Major

#EnglishMajorProbs

SMUM
94
6 Signs You Are An English Major

There are various stereotypes about college students, most of which revolve around the concept of your major. Unfortunately, we often let stereotypes precede our own judgments, and we take what information is immediately available to us rather than forming our own opinions after considerable reflection. If I got a dollar for every time my friends have made a joke about my major I could pay my tuition. One stereotype on campus is the sensitive, overly critical and rigid English major. Here are six telltale signs you are one of them.

Keep Reading...Show less
english major
Entertainment

27 Things 'The Office' Has Taught Us

"The Office" is a mockumentary based on everyday office life featuring love triangles, silly pranks and everything in between. It can get pretty crazy for just an average day at the office.

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
1683
the office
http://www.ssninsider.com/

When you were little, your parents probably told you television makes your brain rot so you wouldn't watch it for twelve straight hours. However, I feel we can learn some pretty valuable stuff from television shows. "The Office," while a comedy, has some pretty teachable moments thrown in there. You may not know how to react in a situation where a co-worker does something crazy (like put your office supplies in jello) but thanks to "The Office," now you'll have an idea how to behave ifsomething like that should happen.

Here are just a few of the things that religious Office watchers can expect to learn.

Keep Reading...Show less
the office
Student Life

10 Signs You’re A Pre-Med Student

Ah, pre-med: home of the dead at heart.

Berkeley, California
1073
Grey's Anatomy
TV Guide

Being pre-med is quite a journey. It’s not easy juggling school work, extracurricular activities, volunteering, shadowing, research, and MCAT prep all at the same time. Ever heard of “pain is temporary, but GPA is forever?” Pre-meds don’t just embody that motto; we live and breathe it. Here are 10 symptoms you’re down with the pre-med student syndrome.

Keep Reading...Show less
med students
Entertainment

High School And College Sucked All Of The Fun Out Of Reading

Books were always about understanding for me, about learning the way someone else sees, about connection.

Rutgers University
766
High School And College Sucked All Of The Fun Out Of Reading
Photo by Clementina Toso on Unsplash

I keep making this joke whenever the idea of books is brought up: "God, I wish I knew how to read." It runs parallel to another stupid phrase, as I watch my friends struggle through their calculus classes late at night in our floor lounge: "I hope this is the year that I learn to count." They're both truly idiotic expressions, but, when I consider the former, I sometimes wonder if there's some truth to it.

Keep Reading...Show less
books lit
Entertainment

One Book Made Me Question Existence In Its Entirety

A book by the name of "The Stranger."

The State University of New York at Stony Brook
91
One Book Made Me Question Existence In Its Entirety
Photo by Rey Seven on Unsplash

"The Stranger" by Albert Campus touches upon many heavy elements... but not in the way you expect. Although it touches upon the aspects of death and love, it also deals with a hidden philosophy similar to that of nihilism.

The story follows the short life events of Meursault, a Frenchman whose carelessness for his actions eventually ends him in jail and dependent on a jury of people to judge the ethicality of his decision and the punishment that he deserves. He eventually gets the death penalty and all throughout he is nonchalant and almost apathetic towards his situation. He finally snaps when the prison sends a priest to him to absolve him of his sins and to cajole him in confessing to the lord.

Keep Reading...Show less
book review

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments