I had a surprise in my mailbox the other day at work. I received a catalog for 20 years of service in my school district. I was to choose a gift from the many choices. I scanned the gifts, but a funny thing happened, all I could think was . . .
WHAT!?! Where the heck did the last 20 years go!
I slid back in time to my first year as a teacher . . .
Memories so clear . . . like it was yesterday!
Here are a few . . .
My first parent information night, thank goodness we didn’t have air conditioning back then . . . there was an excuse for my very sweaty armpits.
My first class, oh how the 5th grade “gods” must have been looking out for me . . . the class was almost perfect in every way.
My first “note” from a student . . . “Mrs. Wiater you are really funny and I love being in your class” . . . talk about the flood gates opening.
The first time I had to decide a consequence for 2 really nice boys that just made a bad decision . . . it took me back to when I was in grammar school and how the teacher DID NOT give me a break . . . guess what I did? . . . I gave the boys a pass.
The day our TDP teacher came back from a conference and told us how we would soon be able to go on the computer, and with the click of a button, would be able to go anywhere in the world . . . the internet!
And the young teacher who greeted me with a warm smile one morning and asked me, how I was doing? . . . I mean she really wanted to know how I was . . .
And still today she is one of my dearest friends . . . some 20 years later...
Funny how a catalog can bring back so many memories!
WHAT!?! Where the heck did the last 20 years go!
I slid back in time to my first year as a teacher . . .
Memories so clear . . . like it was yesterday!
Here are a few . . .
My first parent information night, thank goodness we didn’t have air conditioning back then . . . there was an excuse for my very sweaty armpits.
My first class, oh how the 5th grade “gods” must have been looking out for me . . . the class was almost perfect in every way.
My first “note” from a student . . . “Mrs. Wiater you are really funny and I love being in your class” . . . talk about the flood gates opening.
The first time I had to decide a consequence for 2 really nice boys that just made a bad decision . . . it took me back to when I was in grammar school and how the teacher DID NOT give me a break . . . guess what I did? . . . I gave the boys a pass.
The day our TDP teacher came back from a conference and told us how we would soon be able to go on the computer, and with the click of a button, would be able to go anywhere in the world . . . the internet!
And the young teacher who greeted me with a warm smile one morning and asked me, how I was doing? . . . I mean she really wanted to know how I was . . .
And still today she is one of my dearest friends . . . some 20 years later...
Funny how a catalog can bring back so many memories!
What a profound list of memories! I love the structure of this piece - with the catalog causing you to reminisce. You just reminded me of my first day of teaching; I'm going to add it to my list of things to slice about!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to acknowledge and remind us tha reflect on the memories!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 20 years, Lynn! Your reminiscing of special moments during those 20 years should give you many more slices! You have accomplished much, touched many students' lives and been an inspiration to many people. Thanks for sharing your special moment.
ReplyDeleteI know, 20 years sounds like a long time, but poof they are gone and we wonder "Where did the time go?" Congrats on those twenty, may the next years fly by just as quickly then you can enjoy retirement. I have to admit I do enjoy semi-retired life.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! only twenty left to go...
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing - those memories from the first year. So many stories and think about all the stories sprinkled in between! But most importantly, what gift did you pick?!? :) Enjoy the memories . . .
ReplyDelete