Immortality

A former student sent me this letter. Excuse me while I cry an ugly cry. I promise you, she's a much better woman than I am.

Dear Ms. McGowan,

           

            Now that graduation is just around the corner, I have found myself reflecting more and more on my journey to the crossroads of undergraduate life and the real world. This reflection has included thinking of all those who have helped me reach this place. Out of all the many amazing people who have crossed paths with me, I have thought about you the most. Being in your class has impacted me not only throughout high school but also throughout my college career. By being your student, you prepared me to be a better writer and you have prepared me for life.

            Walking into your classroom as a freshman, I was nervous I would not do well in high school. I was shy and quiet with a paralyzing fear of speaking in class. Had I not been in your class, I would have been sure to blossom into a lovely wallflower. However, I was blessed instead with a wonderful teacher who coaxed me out of my shell. Standing in front of the class, you exuded a genuine enthusiasm that is unfortunately so lacking in the education system. You gave me a warm smile whenever I walked into class early, your eyes sparkling with a true interest in what I had to say. As the trimester progressed, I slowly gained the confidence to speak up in class. I found my voice through my pen. My writing was a means for me to put my thoughts on paper and articulate what I could not say out loud. The feedback I received from you encouraged me to work even harder. The skills and knowledge I gained in your class helped me to tackle all my high school courses with the same confidence and tenacity.

            In addition to helping me find my voice, the most important lesson you taught me was not just how to write, but what writing can achieve. Learning to make grammar and syntax my allies rather than my foes, you made me realize how useful writing is to any field. I started to believe, (and still believe to this day), that a few well-woven words can change the world. Whenever I read a good book, I began paying attention to the style and what the author was trying to achieve through it. These skills were especially handy when I began to read Kafka and Kushner in college. I was fascinated by the social and political critiques made by writers in the genres of the absurd and the surreal. You inspired me to explore not only what words can do for me but also what I can do with words.

            From what I have learned from you, I hope to enter the medical field as a psychiatrist and use the power of language to educate others on autism. I hope that whoever comes across my writing as a medical professional will be inspired to action in the same way you have inspired me. I feel blessed that you have chosen teaching as a profession because, I am sure there are many more like me who have been touched by your gentle wisdom. Although it is a curious thought, I believe that becoming a teacher is the closest one can get to immortality. From the wisdom you have imparted, I will teach my children and students the same love for language that you have instilled in me. As a teacher, you have begun a legacy and, the amazing gift you have shared with me will now be shared with many others.

            I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for me. You have my utmost gratitude for the lessons you have taught me inside your classroom and out. Now that I am graduating college in June, I will embark on a new journey. Although I am scared of the unknown, I have faith that all that you have taught me will help me to persist. You are a wonderful woman, a loving mother, and a true blessing. As time leads me (both willingly and unwillingly) by hand through the labyrinth of adulthood, I will try to live by all that you have taught me. Thank you for being my teacher.