Once I Was a Teacher. Now I am the Student.
From 1986 to 1997, I was a middle school math teacher in Northern California. I certainly didn’t see the tens of thousands of students come through the door that some of my colleagues who have been at this for 30-plus years have seen, but I sure saw quite a few.
Fast forward almost 18 years and through social media, I have re-connected with some of my former students. These young men and women have amazingly come through their adolescence and young adulthood to where they are now: moms, dads, artists, and just fantastic amazing people.
I am learning so much from them. From one, a beautiful African American woman, I am learning about race and what it is like to have a son in this era of Mike Brown, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice and others. From another I am learning about the trials of alcohol recovery along with being the parent of a little kid.
It has been such a joy to have moved beyond being their teacher to being their friend. I rejoice in every birth, every marriage, every small victory and I cry at every defeat or obstacle that gets in their way.
Thank you, my former students. Please know that this teacher never stops learning.
