A retired teacher friend of
mine called me the other day. He and his
wife had purchased a car and were talking to the credit manager. Small talk had led to the discovery that my
friend's wife had taught the manager's children. Further discussion revealed that the manager
had gone to AV Graham years ago. He enquired about who was
still teaching at AV Graham and that conversation is what prompted my friend to
call me to relate the following:
"Mr. Farrer is still
there? He taught me in grade 5. He was the teacher who had the most influence
on me. I was a real handful back then." The ex-student went on to describe situations
that illustrated why he held me in such high esteem.
After thanking my friend for calling, I
reflected on the conversation: I do
remember the student. I do remember him
being a pill. I do not remember any of
the anecdotes he told. But it doesn't
matter. I had made an impact on
him. It's through rare glimpses
like this that I am reminded of why teachers do what they do - to make a difference -
even though most of the influences that we have had on our students, we will never know.
Thank you, Ian, for the
phone call. You made my day.
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