I am unlike others in that I have been blessed with many good teachers. Teachers who have helped mold me into the person I am today. Each teacher has had a part in instilling important characteristics in me that I am forever grateful for. But some teachers have had more of an impact than others. One teacher who fits this category is Mrs. Paige Henderson. Mrs. Henderson was my fifth grade teacher, but that title alone holds no justice. She was also my role model, encourager, and friend. Unlike some of my experiences in high school, there was never a day that I didn't want to go to school in fifth grade. Now this wasn't because I had great friends or a fiery passion for learning, because that came later my fifth grade year, but it was because Mrs. Henderson cared. It was as simple as that. I needed someone who truly cared and portrayed that in a way that I knew and Mrs. Henderson did just that. She came to school everyday with a smile, a joke, and determination to get some education into our thick and immature skulls. She would find a way to reach out to all of us- boys, girls, quite, loud, shy, rambunctious... ALL of us. She quickly formed relationships with us crazy kids and from their we began caring as well. We cared about her so we began caring about our education for her benefit. But what amazes me is that it didn't end there. It began as a way to return our love, but soon we were caring about our education for us! She some how created a passion for learning within twenty plus rowdy children, a passion that wasn't quick to disappear.
Along with creating relationships and a passion, she loved deeply. Whether this be through her humor that she integrated into her lessons or her joking nudge she'd sometimes share in the hallways or even in her discipline strategies; she'd find a way to bring love into the equation. I distinctly remember a time that I had gotten in trouble which included a visit to the vice principal's office, a phone call home, and even a parent teacher conference. Though I viewed this as a bit excessive, I soon realized that she was going through the steps that she had to. But here's the part that I remember very clearly seven years later... after the parent teacher conference ended, Mrs. Henderson met me in the hallway. She came up with a gentle spirit and hugged me. We didn't even need words because words weren't what I needed. I just needed a loving hug and Mrs. Henderson knew that. After our little moment she called my parents out into the hall with us and told them what she believed was my perspective through this whole horrifying experience. She could see my heart and intentions and she wasn't going to let my parents leave until they heard it. She loved us deeply through the good and the bad, and kids don't forget things like that.
In honor of teacher appreciation week, I would like to give a huge THANK YOU to my fifth grade teacher, my mentor, and dear friend, Mrs. Henderson. Thank you for dedicating yourself to a life of sharing your talents to help build precious minds. I know for a fact that I am one of many who remembers your passion, love, and dedication for your craft. Thank you simply isn't enough for the gratitude I feel for not only what you have done for me personally, but for what you have done for my peers in fifth grade and now for students who I'd like to call my own this year. You are helping these children build a platform for their education and their lives based on characteristics that count. I have had an incredible experience being able to work with you this year and I will never forget what I have learned from you.
Thank you again!
Love your grateful student,
Rachel Jefferies
(If anyone would like to view her webpage and see some adorable class pictures, you can click here)
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