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July 10, 2003 There are many teachers out there that deserve an applause, for doing such a wonderful job and helping the kids succeed throughout their school careers. After all these years one still remains the tops and I will never forget her. She continues to be an inspiration. ONE OF A KIND When she walked into the classroom I instantly knew I would love third grade. Ms. Tony was beautiful in every way from her pretty dark colored skin that seemed to glow, her warm chestnut brown eyes, and endearing soft smile. Her movement suggested a gentle hand yet we learned there were times you could make those brows furrow. Initially I had been concerned about beginning third grade. Rumors abounded with four hours of homework a night, several pop quizzes every week, and working once a week in the cafeteria in the kitchen washing ketchup smeared trays. All of this spelled out that school would no longer be the fun social hour with friends it had been since kindergarten. But those fears went out the window as I set eyes on my new teacher. Ms. Toney introduced herself and explained her expectations. She also expressed her love for reading. At this I felt my heart pumping as excitement filled every part of my body. My absolute favorite activity was reading and I knew I had found a kindred spirit. I stared at her in awe as she continued talking. The way she held herself suggested both pride and confidence and I could feel she cared about us already and it was only the first day. I hoped one day to exude confidence the way she did, it really brightened a room and left a huge impression on me. To my good fortune she always set aside time to read, feeling it was a very special interaction. After lunch we gathered around her rocking chair and journeyed off into the world of Anne of Green Gables. I would sit dreamily on pillows, imagining I was this special orphan girl and experiencing the first sight of her new home. This came to be my favorite time of the day as we dabbled in such stories as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Wind in the Willows, and Pollyanna. Throughout the year Ms. Tony kept us busy with projects galore. We learned calligraphy, cursive, and other fancy ways to write. We wrote and illustrated our own short stories. Her influence to write and encouragement to freely express our selves, has stayed with me, as I have become a published author and poet. Whether she knew it or not, she has made an impact on me and I will be forever grateful. I was impressed with how much time she spent with each of us, one on one, guiding us through our third grade year. I knew in my heart I had the best teacher of anyone else in the school. Questions were encouraged and always answered without any tone of irritation. I tried everything to make sure I was considered a top student. She wasnt the kind of teacher to have favorites, so this was a challenge for me. This was the first year my attendance was perfect. Although I considered going home a few days when we would have a substitute, I wanted her to know I was dedicated. The first day we had a substitute, my heart sank. I knew immediately it was going to be a trying day and I felt very little joy. Disappointment seeped through me as she stood in front of the class with rigid movements and a squeaky voice. Her smile said it all, she didnt care to be there anymore than we cared for her to be there. The next day was rewarding as we sat at our desks, holding our breath until we saw our teacher walk in. I wrote her a small note expressing my concern for our well-being while she was away and begged her to stay well until the end of the year. I watched as she read the note and when she looked up, I saw the twinkle in her eye and she smiled right at me. I felt happiness explode. She understood what she meant to me and to the others. Typically when the end of the year approaches, everyone gets excited and looks forward to summer vacation. This year I looked at it with a frown upon my face. I remembered Pollyanna and thought, there is no way I could put this feeling into the glad game. I felt a pang of jealousy rip through my insides as I thought of the lucky kids who would get her next year. I had already heard enough about my choice of teachers for fifth grade and I just couldnt stand the thought of having a teacher who gave any less than my Ms. Tony. The final week was heartbreaking. I cried in the bathroom and felt impending doom engulf me. I thought about asking the principal if I could be held back. Maybe I could convince him that it was a difficult year and I needed a repeat, or maybe I could tell him I woke up this morning forgetting everything I learned and the only way I could remember is if I did the year over again. I smiled at this, looked in the mirror, and watched my face fall back into its mask of sadness. I wouldnt get away with it, I had been a model student and there wouldnt be an ounce of proof that would allow me to stay in fourth grade. I sulked back to my class and slumped into my chair. With my head on my desk I prayed that I would have the courage to say farewell to my beloved teacher. On the last day Ms. Tony gathered us around her rocking chair and handed out special cards and a gift for each of us. She asked us to please open our presents and cards at home. It gave us something to look forward to but I was ready to rip into that card. Her final gift was a hug that brought my tears streaming forward. I didnt care who heard me. I let it all out. After what seemed like an hour, I pulled my red soggy face away from her soft lavender sweater and accepted a Kleenex from a friend. I kept my head down and when the final bell rang, I ran home as fast as I could. To this day I still have the special card and gift. It sits atop my writing desk and is a reminder that I met an incredible person who has been one of the greatest influences of my life. It was a personalized card thanking me for my willingness to learn and eagerness to succeed in my third grade year. She wished me luck with my upcoming endeavors and knew that I would make it as a writer someday. The gift was a small writing journal with butterflies on the cover. To remind me that while there will be changes in my life, as a butterfly changes, I will always have a safe place to come back to, a journal to keep my innermost thoughts and dreams. While I did see her from time to time at school, I never had a teacher who taught me so much, ever again. I will never forget how she made us feel special, as a class and as individuals. She was a strong role model and mentor. My hope is that someday my son will encounter a teacher who has a true love of teaching and a love for sharing knowledge. Ms. Tonys teaching style stood out and I hold her in the highest regard. I ask all teachers to help students realize the tools they have inside, to help promote those talents, and provide a brighter future for our youth. Thank you Ms. Tony, you will always be one of a kind. ------------ About the author: Nancy Jackson is a full time author and poet with works in Literati, Twilight Times, Anotherealm, Sonny World, and various anthologies. Her pasttimes include spending time with her loved ones, drinking wine, and lots of writing! Email Nancy Jackson: coryann93@yahoo.com Comment on this column in the forum. Tell a friend about this site! ------------ |
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