It has been said that there is always the good, bad and the in between with everything. One can reflect on the endless possibilities which this speaks to and will find that it is indeed true. With this year’s recognition of teachers, one could not help acknowledging that while there exists the bad or not too good apples among our teachers, there are those who truly go beyond the call of duty to develop our young and in some cases, old minds.    

Many after reading this will reflect and if true to oneself, will realize that the accomplishments and the ‘It’ you are today has much to do with not mommy, daddy or even you, but that one or two, teachers who spoon-fed and guided you at the impressionable stages of life. Do you remember that teacher who would spend time trying to help you understand that mind boggling algebra or to compose that essay long after the walls of the school no longer rang with the chatter and shouts? And finally after the coaxing, encouraging words and even creative study tips such as “My Very Educated Mother Just Showed Us Nine Planets” to help you remember the order of the planets in the solar system, the light would suddenly come on and everything would appear to be so easy!

Then there are those teachers who would give that lunch money, sometimes even their own lunch in order that you may function in class and not be subjected to being the odd one out at lunch time. Ohhh!! Remember those who when you were going through your teenage years of what you thought then were mid-life crises, would give you a hug, sit and try to get you to let it all out and they wouldn’t just leave you there! They would find the solutions, show you ways of coping and handling the ‘stress’ while telling you ‘it’s gonna be alright, don’t worry so much.’ Of course you have to remember that one who intervened in the family issues, mediating between you and mommy or daddy, taking you to the guidance counselor, the sick bay, the doctor and extending the deadline for you to submit that big assignment.

Looking at some of these little things, we see how big they were then and are now to some children at that stage of development. In retrospect you know that if it weren’t for those little acts of kindness, the motivation, the small talks, their presence when mommy and/or daddy were too caught up with work or just didn’t care or understood you enough, it was that great teacher who ‘saved’ you and inspired you to be the good and successful person you are today.