Dr Sherry Miller (school director in Guatemala) - "She taught me to be happy. She taught me the importance of being truly sincere." Dr. Miller had a way of making you feel like the most important human being when she talked to you. She constantly had a gleaming smile.
Mariah Hancock (roommate at a nature camp I went to in 8th grade) - "Taught me by her example the importance of scripture study every single night with no exceptions." Every night Mariah would stop what she was doing and take time to read her scriptures and write in her journal. I was so impressed and asked her about it one day, and she told me she hadn't missed a day in 3 years. I learned from her example and am happy to say that it has been 3 years and I have not missed a day in my scripture study.
Shannon Webb (Brighton Girls Camp counselor) - "She was very encouraging and intent on teaching me to love individuality." Shannon was so enthusiastic at camp and helped me have so much fun. She encouraged us to be proud of being ourselves.
Jade Constantineau (5th grade teacher) - "Taught me to love learning and love working with people. She also helped me to be organized." Ms. C was probably one of the most influential people in my school life. I wouldn't be the student I am without her.
Amie Huggins (9th grade AP Human Geography teacher) - She got me excited to learn. She taught me to work hard. She is someone who I trust very much." Ms. Huggins loved teaching and her love for teaching was felt as a student. Because of her love, I too wanted to love learning. Plus, after that school year I went and visited her at her house (creepy, I know, but she gave us Otter Pops!)
Brother Gibson (9th grade seminary teacher) - "He encouraged me to consistently and constantly be studying scriptures." Brother Gibson was my first seminary teacher, and I was blessed to have him when we studied the Book of Mormon. He encouraged us to read the Book of Mormon every day, and let me tell you that it strengthened my testimony so much.
Kaycee Prevedel (groupmate at nature camp) - "She taught me the influence of friends. She also helped me feel more comfortable talking about the gospel, even though she is not LDS." We were in the same group at Nature Camp and I was super shy. But one day while I was standing to the side of the group, Kaycee invited me to help her core a tree, and it meant the world to me. We have kept in contact over the years, in fact I saw her this past weekend. Kaycee and I had several discussions about the gospel, and because of her I feel more comfortable talking about my beliefs.
Megan Beltinck (6th grade English and Social Studies teacher) - "Because of her I learned the importance of being honest and sticking up for myself. She accused me of cheating, but because of my honesty she believed me when I said I had not." Ms. Beltinck was a phenomenal teacher. However one day we were taking a test and she thought I had cheated. This was so hard for me, because I knew I had not cheated, and all my classmates knew I had not cheated. After talking to her on several occasions she realized that I was an honest girl and I truly had not cheated.
Matthew King (6th grade Math and Science teacher) - "He saw the best in me and knew my potential." Mr. King had a monotone voice. I loved the activities that he did to help us learn, but I never really like him. At the end of my 6th grade year, the whole Middle School gathered in the auditorium for an awards ceremony. They announced that one student would be called up and awarded "Most Enthusiastic Middle School Student". I was appalled when my name was read. I stood in the middle of the stage while Mr. King gave a speech about me. I think I'll post that speech at the end of this post. Mr. King understood me and he knew that I would succeed in life if I put forth the effort.
Of course, there are other people who have influenced me, but these are very specific moments that changed who I was. Anyway, yesterday I decided I wanted to thank some of these people. I am Facebook friends with Ms C and Shannon Webb. I wrote a quick, sincere note to both of them, thanking them for what they taught me. Last night after going to sauna at 11:30 with my good friend Marissa, I decided to check Facebook real quick. I was stunned to see a message from Ms. C. This is what she wrote:
Kira,So go thank someone for what they've taught you. It might be exactly what they need to hear.
Wow, what an absolutely wonderful message!! What you wrote is every teacher's dream! I really appreciate you taking the time to write and let me know that I made a difference in your life. I feel very honoured to be on that list, as I am positive that I am in some very good company. I am fortunate in that I love what I do, but hearing from ex-students like you and learning that I influenced them in ways that I wasn't aware of is priceless!!
For what it's worth, you were a joy to teach. I remember you as a bright, enthusiastic student who served as an extremely positive role model to others. You were vivacious, out-going, and always good for a laugh. I can see that you are still that person by many of the posts and pictures of yours that I see on Facebook. I also love seeing that you and Camry are still the best of friends. It's amazing that you'd meet such a close friend in grade 5 in Guatemala. Who would have thought?
I'm so happy that you find joy in helping others. And I'm also so happy that I had a small part in that. It's a wonderful skill that will serve you well in life.
Once again, thanks for your message. It came on a very busy, stressful day. It was exactly what I needed and reading it brought tears to my eyes.
Take care, stay in touch, and I hope that you hold onto that positive, out-going, crazy (in the very best way, of course) person that you are!
Love,
Ms C
Kira
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