The Power of a Teacher: Some Memories As You Retire, Mrs. D

This afternoon I will be attending a retirement reception for one of my high school teachers, but not just any teacher, one who truly impacted me; and the funny thing is, I never even took her class.  Mrs. Dandridge, or Mrs. D, was our student council sponsor.  In that role, we spent several years and many hours with her.

The time we spent proves a point, relationships are built with time.  With the meetings, the conventions, the homecoming planning, the special events, and more, we became more than just teacher and student, she became a mentor and a friend. Once again, I find myself thankful for social media.  Because of social media I'm able to share her retirement day with her.

Being the analytical person that I am, I've been contemplating what to do for her, a card, a gift, what?  As I was reflecting, I recalled so many memories and knew that my senior book was filled with them.  As a teacher myself, I decided what better gift than a heartfelt thank-you and a few flashbacks.



These words, signed in my senior book, gave me hope and encouragement.  Hope and encouragement that I had what it took to accomplish my goals.  I believed her, and based on her actions, I believed she loved me.  She also forgave me for hitting her parked truck my junior year in high school.  How crazy is that!  You fall asleep at the wheel, have a wreck, and the truck you hit belongs to one of your favorite teachers.

Some of my fondest memories of my senior year were with student council.  Looking back, I think it was because I learned so much about being a responsible contributor to society, how to be organized, plan projects, have goals and reach them, but I also met some great friends.

I remember Mrs. D becoming a friend, too.  She became not just a mentor, but a friend because she laughed with us, she danced with us, and she talked to us about life.


Now that I'm at the high school, I realize the sacrifices she made to love us.  I realize how her children and husband had to share her with us.  And for that I thank them.  I hope as I continue my career that at least one student will recall my class or my interactions with them in the fond way that I recall Mrs. D.   It would be an honor to me, and to her, for all of the influence she had on my life.

I especially want to thank Mrs. D for talking with me about college when I didn't have people in my family to walk me through it.  As I am talking to my class about the difference between motivation, ambition, and hope, I'm feeling blessed for Mrs. D and the other teachers in my life who gave me hope that I could use my motivation to reach my ambitions.

Mrs. D, I hope you enjoy your retirement; it's more than well-deserved.  West will surely not be the same without you, but after taking care of so many students these past 35 years, you deserve a time to take care of you, .  Have fun with your grand-babies.  Make memories and know you made a difference; your influence lives in all of us.  May your retirement be all that you wish for.

Love,
Lisa