Carol A. Hand
As another semester approaches the end,
I ask myself once again,
“Why do I teach?
What do I know that’s really worth passing on to others?”
Grading research proposals is not my idea of fun.
It’s a sacred duty for generations yet to come.
I won’t be here to see the future you help create
But my daughter and grandchildren will, and your descendants as well
How can I convey the most important lessons?
All of you carry potential to breathe a new world into being
But it’s a responsibility that requires study, reflection, and courage
My job is simply to help you discover your gifts and who you are
To encourage you to reflect and challenge socialization
that has lulled you to believe you must follow leaders and experts
To help you find your own inspiration to carry on
as life-long learners who know how to think critically,
To ask the right questions and pursue the best you can imagine
based on the certainty of connections to all our relations
To understand who you are, that what you think and feel and do
all matter more than scores on a paper or final grades in a class
Learning to listen deeply, observe, question, and reflect
unlocking your potential, your joy in the exploration of new possibilities
are the gifts and responsibilities you all carry as co-creators of what will be
***
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It’s an honor to be a small part of your lifelong journey of discovery
***
Great teachers have the power to change the course of our lives and the way we see the world. Growing up in Guyana, I was blessed to have such teachers.
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Thank you for sharing such important experiences and insights, Rosaliene. ❤
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gratitude to a caring
guiding light who’s
shine is brightened
with self polishing
& hearing student’s
honest feedback 🙂
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Thank you for your kindness, David. ❤
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A lovely post, Carol. I don’t doubt that when you teach young minds to think, listen deeply, observe, question, and reflect you give a gift that they will carry throughout their lives. ❤
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Lind and lovely, comments, Diana. Thank you so much. ❤
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Ya know, my friend, we may have never met in person, but I think I know enough of your heart to know that you are a GREAT teacher! And an unforgettable one!!! 🙂 ❤
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Thank you for your lovely comments, Natalie. ❤
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You’re welcome😊❤️
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Love your post, Carol. My mother had taught three generations of students.
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Thank you for your lovely comments, Inese. What wonderful memories you must have of your mother!
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Yes, a ton of memories 🙂 She was my primary teacher too 🙂
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Such a beautiful legacy. ❤
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❤
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