Dear First Grade Teachers,

You make more of an impact than you know.

Growing up, I was homeschooled until fifth grade; however, I went to public school for first grade. We lived in a great school district (that we were only in for a year), so my parents decided to stick me and my brother into the chaos that is public elementary education.

I remember the playground, bus rides, my classmates, the library, the nurse's office, and my froggy classroom, but most of all...

I remember Mrs. S.

Recently, I thought about Mrs. S. and the impact she had on me. I thought to myself, "When was the last time you reached out to someone you were thankful for? When was the last time you went out of your comfort zone to really tell someone how much you appreciate them? You should do that."

So I did! After an embarrassing amount of social media stalking and research, I found her first name and email address. She was still loving on first graders at the school I went to (Oh, how lucky they are to have a teacher like her!), so the next day, I shot her an email:

Ms. *S* (I used her full name here, but I will keep it at S for privacy),

Hi! I don’t even know if this email is valid or not, but I thought I would give it a try.

I know you may not remember me, but I was in your first grade class in 2004-2005. Recently I have been thinking of teachers who have made a positive impact on my life, and I did some internet stalking - no shame - to find you! I just wanted to write to you and let you know how awesome I think you are and how grateful I am that I got to have a first grade teacher as caring as you. I remember your frog classroom and the little games you would play with your students and I am grateful.

If you are still a teacher, I hope you know that you are blessing those kiddos and many will remember you as one of the best. It is really crazy to think about all those little ones you have gotten to impact. Your job, I believe, is one of the most honorable.

If you are not a teacher any longer, I hope you know how much you have impacted me and so many others. At the end of my first grade year, you gave me a little frog necklace and it was my most cherished possession for years. For the first time, a teacher - a real adult that wasn’t my parent - cared for me, thought of me, bought me a gift, valued me. I am grateful you decided to become a teacher, I am grateful I got stuck in your class next to Bradley and Miles, and I am grateful God made you so very loving. I will always remember your heart for students (I am sure I speak for the majority of your kids!) and how I felt so loved in your class. Thank you for being such a shining example of an extraordinary teacher.

I am a freshman at the University of Oklahoma now. I am studying occupational therapy or nursing - haven’t quite decided yet. I hope you are having a beautiful year and that this is just a small reminder of the sweet impact you have made. Thank you, thank you, thank you. :-)

Hannah Harwood

(I attached this photo of us because how freakin' adorable is it, right!?!)

Later that week, she responded!

Hi, Hannah!

I can’t believe that you even remember me! Your email made my day. I was having a bummer of a day and this really lifted my spirits! Thank you so much! This was just the sweetest thing. I often wonder if I am doing the right thing and this made me smile so much. I even showed my mom and you made her happy as well.

I’m so glad that you felt loved in first grade. I pray most days during the moment of silence that I can love these kids like God loves me. Best of luck in whichever career you choose. I know that you will be fantastic and show all of the people you come in contact with the same kindness that you have shown me.

Love,
M.S.

HOW COOL IS THAT. She remembered me. She had a hard day, and I made it better! I felt so warm and happy and grateful I was able to provide her with a smile and a little nostalgia.

I write this article not to brag about how cool my teacher was (Although, she is pretty rad, if I do say so myself.), but rather, to remind students, and everyone else, to thank your people. Thank those who helped shape you, even if it feels like it doesn't need to be said. Thank your mom, maybe your piano teacher, and your dad. Your teachers. Your pastor. Not only will it make you feel so great, but they will appreciate it, too!

Few things are sweeter than my groovy dance moves, but one of them is spreading kindness.

If you have a teacher in your life this article made you think of, first grade or any other year, feel free to tag them, share this, and show some love!