When we think of gratitude, parents and teachers always come to mind. Thousands of songs, letters, essays, even religious texts have been written to praise, honor and acknowledge the role of teachers in our lives. Every single letter written in that regard is more than well deserved. Our teachers are the shining beacons that guide our lives, whether we like it or not. And I am very grateful for that.
Today, I want to acknowledge the teacher of all teachers. Often neglected, rarely acknowledged yet indispensable in creating every single great teacher on earth. That is: students.
As a teacher, I know I would not have learnt what I know without the great students I have. With every single student, every single class, every single question, I learn more, improve my methods and hone my skills and knowledge. I learn from your mistakes, I learn from your struggles, I learn from your successes. I learn with, from and about you. You challenge me to be a better teacher, a better person and I thrive on that challenge. No matter whether our lives touch for one hour or one lifetime, that time is very special and sacred to me.
There are many days when I don’t feel like going to class. Many times the heart is heavy and the head is confused. Often times, getting out of bed is a chore. Then I think of your anticipating faces. I think of the miles you had to drive to come to class. I think of your daily demands that you had to leave behind to study with me. I think of your eagerness to learn and your dedication to the art. I think of all that and it pulls me out of my rut. Focusing on you, my dear students, clears my head and opens my heart. Your enthusiasm fuels my engine and I want to give because you are eager to receive.
Without you, my beloved students, past, present and future, I can honestly say that I would not exist. My life would be empty, sad and a big struggle. With you in my life, I’m able to dance, laugh, share and feel beautiful, joyous and very grateful. I am healthy because of you. I smile because of you. I love my life because of you. So let it be known that you, my dear students, are my best teachers and I truly love, appreciate and acknowledge you for who you are.
Thank you for a great life!
Today, I want to acknowledge the teacher of all teachers. Often neglected, rarely acknowledged yet indispensable in creating every single great teacher on earth. That is: students.
As a teacher, I know I would not have learnt what I know without the great students I have. With every single student, every single class, every single question, I learn more, improve my methods and hone my skills and knowledge. I learn from your mistakes, I learn from your struggles, I learn from your successes. I learn with, from and about you. You challenge me to be a better teacher, a better person and I thrive on that challenge. No matter whether our lives touch for one hour or one lifetime, that time is very special and sacred to me.
There are many days when I don’t feel like going to class. Many times the heart is heavy and the head is confused. Often times, getting out of bed is a chore. Then I think of your anticipating faces. I think of the miles you had to drive to come to class. I think of your daily demands that you had to leave behind to study with me. I think of your eagerness to learn and your dedication to the art. I think of all that and it pulls me out of my rut. Focusing on you, my dear students, clears my head and opens my heart. Your enthusiasm fuels my engine and I want to give because you are eager to receive.
Without you, my beloved students, past, present and future, I can honestly say that I would not exist. My life would be empty, sad and a big struggle. With you in my life, I’m able to dance, laugh, share and feel beautiful, joyous and very grateful. I am healthy because of you. I smile because of you. I love my life because of you. So let it be known that you, my dear students, are my best teachers and I truly love, appreciate and acknowledge you for who you are.
Thank you for a great life!
