23 March 2012

A touching teacher/coach moment

Today when I left the house this morning for track practice, it was rainy, and foggy, and looked like it was going to storm.  I was not looking forward to being outside for practice in the rain.

Driving into the parking lot, I saw a car that looked familiar, but that I hadn't seen since last season.

I pulled into a parking space and saw one of my former athletes talking with another coach - he was the owner of the car.  This young man was visiting our practice to see me, the other coaches, and the other kids.

Shortly after seeing him, two additional former athletes showed up.

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It was great seeing the three guys; seeing them grow even more into great men who have goals and are working to meet them.  None of them are running in college, though two of them are shooting to make a team in the next school year.  All of them are making good grades, working, and adjusting well to college life.

We reminisced on fun times when they qualified for State and placed at the State meet.  Good times were had by all each season I coached them.  They talked about the difference I made in their athletic abilities.  They talked about some life lessons I taught and methods I used to get messages across.

It's rare as a teacher or a coach to have kids come back later and tell you that you made a difference in their life, or even that you mattered to them in some way or even that they liked you and learned something from you.  I love when it does happen and I love seeing former students/athletes go on to college/work and do amazing things.

This was one of those rare moments.

Shortly after we started practice, the sun came out and the weather was perfect.
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10 comments:

  1. Classic NYer23 March, 2012 20:53

    How sweet! I can say for sure, I can think of at least two or three teachers who have changed my life in a meaningful way... maybe I should go back and contact them?

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    1. a.eye23 March, 2012 20:55

      Especially with teaching becoming more stressful (in my opinion), I'm sure it would make those teachers' day to hear back from you. Give it a try!

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  2. Sarah@The Best Stuff23 March, 2012 21:40

    I have a friend who is teaching music and theatre at a jr. high who, a few days ago, was bemoaning how useless, unappreciated and overwhelmed he felt. None of his students listened or respected him or what he was trying to teach them. Many of us were trying to cheer him and reassure him that he WAS making a difference, even if the kids didn't realize it yet. I like to think that our comments helped him get through the bad place he was in mentally that day. But then just yesterday, out of the blue one of his students sent him an email thanking him for being a great influence and great teacher...that his obvious concern as a teacher for her as a student, was so appreciated. And THAT's what made the difference. Like night and day, my friend was suddenly invigorated again about teaching. It made me want to tell my own daughters to tell their teachers how much they appreciate them!!! I don't think the kids realize how much it means to a teacher.

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    1. a.eye24 March, 2012 06:40

      What a great story!! Sad that it is like that for a lot of us teachers, but a great ending! It is really amazing what a difference a little recognition can make in a teacher's (and anyone's really) life.

      Thanks for sharing this. It made me smile!

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  3. Deb Stevens24 March, 2012 00:21

    I love that the weather reflected the mood, not the other way around. This sounds like a magic moment in many ways. And you've definitely inspired me to go back and write/visit some of my old teachers. One of them specifically inspired me to get my English Teacher License, though I'm not currently using it.

    What/who inspired you to become a teacher?

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    1. a.eye24 March, 2012 06:42

      You should totally go back and let a teacher know that they impacted you.

      I was inspired by my AP US History teacher junior year. He made me realize that history was way more than the people on the money and way more than what is "typically" taught. I became a lover of books.

      I am fortunate that he was also several younger siblings teacher and I could go back to him then. He is also in charge of some social studies teacher organizations now and I always tell him what a great person and influence he was on me.

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  4. Just Jane24 March, 2012 00:34

    As often as I grouse about Facebook, one of the neatest things to ever happen to me is when my sixth grade teacher, one of my top 3 most influential teachers, found me and friended me. Not only have I been able to thank him for the profound impact he's had on my life, we've been able to establish a loving friendship as adults. Teachers are the best kind of awesome.

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    1. a.eye24 March, 2012 06:43

      Isn't it great how technology can help us reconnect in so many ways (though not always good)?

      I am glad you were able to establish a relationship with your teacher. I have loved that aspect of it as well. I have some of my teachers as friends and several former students as friends on there. That was one of the first places I was able to hear back from a student that I impacted their life choices.

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  5. Larissa T.28 March, 2012 22:54

    Teachers are amazing, and one day I hope I get to meet them and thank them for being such wonderful influential people. One of my teachers passed away this year, and it saddens me to know that I'll have to wait 'till heaven to be able to thank her for all her smiles and advice.

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    1. a.eye28 March, 2012 23:09

      I'm sorry that you did not get to thank that teacher. Hopefully, you can pass it on to one (or more) that are still around if any others influenced you in some way.

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