Thank you so much!!

“It may be that when we no longer know which way to go that we have come to our real journey. The mind that is not baffled is not employed. The impeded stream is the one that sings.”

(by the teacher's absolute favorite poet)

Dear X,

When I first read those words, I thought of you (not horrifically creepy - she starts stories/sentences with that a lot) – and not only because Wendell Berry tends to make me do that. Upon walking into your United States history class almost two years ago, I was certain the subject would play only the most peripheral role possible in my life. I can now admit that I was majorly, wonderfully wrong.

Since then, your teaching has inspired in me a newfound appreciation for history and politics – one that has seen me watch C-SPAN (what 16 year-old watches C-SPAN?!) and attempt to ‘disguise’ long papers with 1.5 spaced font. It is an appreciation that, in all of its nerdy glory, I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to develop.

I recall coming to you the day before the exam wondering about the privileges and immunities clause of the fourteenth amendment. Although you didn’t have an immediate answer to my inquiry – it was not exactly likely to appear in the multiple-choice section of the AP – you didn’t dismiss it. You considered my question, looked up articles, and talked through your reasoning with me. I appreciate the kind of care you took in that moment and throughout the year.

Thank you for the passion you brought to each and every class over the past two years that made history and politics more than names and dates. Thank you for lending me book after fascinating book. Thank you for letting me sit in your office, hindering your grading, to talk about history, politics, the most philosophical questions of life, or my weekend. Thank you, ultimately, for supporting, encouraging, and advising me.

You showed me that “impediments” can not only pass, but also bring the kinds of experiences that make a real, tangible, positive impact on one’s life. You showed me, too, that even in the uncertainty or consternation following those impacts that “all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” (the quote she read me when I was freaking out an hour before college decisions)

All my best & wishing you well,

XXX

P.S.: My new e-mail address is XXX - please keep in touch! :)