Sometimes a push is a good thing

Over the weekend I ran into someone that I have more respect for than most people I know. She was a teacher of mine in high school and then into college. After a brief conversation, I started thinking about how under-appreciated teachers are in today’s society. I am 30 now and she is still pushing me to excel and takes a personal interest in my life. 

I was not the most studious person in my life. I was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age. I honestly believe that I used that as an excuse when classes got hard or I didn’t want to do homework. I pretty much coasted my way through high school with the exception of one teacher. Dr. Parris. She somehow harnessed my abundant energy and inability to focus on class work. She pushed me in her web development classes. I found that with her help, I was good at something. I never really had a teacher make me feel like I was letting myself down if I missed a deadline. With her help I received a scholarship and went off to college. A couple years later I was struggling through college and got great news that Dr. P. (as most of us from high school refer to her) was coming to teach at UNA. I wasn’t the best student there either. Through all of my ups and downs, she was a constant.. she always knew what to say to motivate me. That’s not to say that what she had to say was easy to hear sometimes. 

Most of you know me, my school history and my championship ability to drop classes. I just wanted to take a second and thank the only teacher I have ever had to still take the time to wave me down, ask how my life is and encourage me to better myself. Some teachers never know the influence they have on students lives. I can honestly say that I wouldn't be where I am without the support of Dr. Parris and my family. 

If you have someone that touched your life, take time to let him or her know. Sometimes that person may not know that the little gestures they made over 10 years ago still impact you today.

So Dr. Parris.... Thank you for everything. Don't give up on me yet and hopefully I'll be back in more of your classes soon.