What my cells remember about September

Reader Responses

When has a teacher helped you notice the Light within yourself?

I can remember when I was about 16 years old and was able to attend an AFSC (American Friends Service Committee) weekend for high school students where we were introduced to and discussed an international social/political issue of the day. Although I was a very good student and had excellent teachers, the goal in school was always to have the 'right' answer. This was the first time in my life that caring, intelligent adults actually wanted to hear and appreciate my thoughts and opinions, rather than direct me to the right answer. It was a real "opening" to feel that I might have something worthwhile to contribute. Thank you, Friends.

Joe S., Portland, OR, USA

My folks had just divorced and I was devastated and withdrawn. My second grade teacher, Mrs. Cattell, would let me draw and write whatever I wanted when I got my work done early, which was most of the time. She encouraged my creative self-expression, which was often focused on my family and how I felt about things. She also referred me for testing to be in the gifted program.

A couple decades later after another devastating heartbreak I ran into her in the grocery store. She recognized me and asked how I was doing. I don’t even recall what I said but she definitely picked up on my downtrodden vibe. She asked if I was “still writing beautiful stories.” I kind of dejectedly said no. She just smiled warmly and said, “You should get back to that, you were always so good at it and it was good for you too.”

I felt so seen, valued, and lovingly exhorted.

Michelle K.

My high school art teacher saw me at the market a few weeks after graduation, knowing I decided not to go to art school. She said "You would have been a hellava artist." Four years later I did go to art school and graduated always remembering her comment.

Sally B., Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA