What I Learned From My Favorite Teacher | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

What I Learned From My Favorite Teacher

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a teacher that will truly help shape their life in several ways. I was lucky enough to have Mr. Tatum.

60
What I Learned From My Favorite Teacher
Deziree Brock

Everyone will hopefully meet someone that will positively impact their life forever. I am lucky enough to have found this person in my friend and teacher, Jamie Tatum. Over the last 6 or so years, I’ve learned more about life from Mr. Tatum than anyone else, and a few of his lessons have stuck with me.

1) Be sincere.

Sincerity is becoming rare in 2017. Everyone is constantly joking, lying, pranking, or hiding their feelings. Through Tatum, I have learned how important it is to mean what you say, as you’re sure to have interactions that are much more worthwhile.

2) It’s so easy to be friendly.

As a person plagued with the sarcastic trait, I had a hard time being nice all the time without cracking jokes. Mr. Tatum showed me how many quality people you’ll gain in your day to day life by treating everyone with the respect they deserve.

3) Think about your future, but don’t panic!

I used to slack in classes a lot(In fact I had a D+ in Tatum’s 7th grade health class). I never thought about my future education or career, but at that age everyone always spoke about how much fun we’d have as adults. Thanks to several years of teaching (as well as tons of encouraging) moments, Tatum helped me realized that I should be working toward my future.

As a teacher, he didn't just explain the consequences of our actions; how a simple choice can truly make a substantial impact on the rest of your life, he gave examples. He went out of his way to tell 13 and 14 year olds how important it is for us to make good decisions.

4) Friends aren't everything.

In middle school, friends were all anyone cared about. They could be your crowning achievement or your greatest downfall; they could bring you up or down on the social ladder in just a few words, and we let them. After going through my three years of junior high as the person who was friends with literally everyone, I lost most of them when freshman year arrived.

I don't consider myself a person that has a lot of friends. At first I thought of this as a flaw; there had to be something wrong with me. After a few conversations with Tatum, he expressed exactly what I should have figured out: the number of friends one has will never equate exactly to their quality of character.

5.) Health is more than just physical.

As a child, I assumed that physical health was the only kind. Growing up with some developmental issues in my legs, I knew that I wasn't healthy because of my steadily growing inability to do strenuous things.

However, covering mental health, behavioral health and social wellness contributed to my understanding in a very positive way. I also think that I wouldn't be as understanding of those with mental or social disorders if I wouldn't have had so many compassionate people in my life.

6.) Success isn't a number, it's a suggestive social construct.

I remember always thinking that no matter what I did in my future, I wanted to be successful. I needed to be successful. It's so expensive to do anything these days, how would I buy my mansion and all of my cars when I was broke? I'm so glad that I was able to learn that success cannot be achieved without happiness.

Tatum always encouraged me, as well as my classmates, to find ways to turn passions into careers. He always said that happiness is more important than the number on your paycheck. I completely agree, and while I may not be able to survive on the salary from something I love, I will always remember his words and make sure that whatever I do in life is something that I truly enjoy.

Overall, all lessons aside, I find myself insanely privileged to have spent the last six years as the student of someone as intelligent, pleasant, and inspiring as my teacher Jamie Tatum. May he continue to share wisdom with all of his future students.

-Dez

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23465
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
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"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.

9795
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.

7101
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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments