I was out delivering furniture today like everyday until I got to this one building and the client was my first elementary school teacher. I recognized her pretty fast even that she got older but I don’t think she knew me tho.
She was one of the few teachers who was kind to me maybe because I was good at math, and that she lectured. When I saw her today, it caught me off guard and I just froze and didn’t tell her who I was. Not because I don’t work hard or do a honest job but it felt like telling her who I was would maybe disappoint her because she had big hopes for me.
I just kept my mouth shut and helped bring in the furniture, said thank you, and left. Maybe she would’ve been proud to see me working and doing something honest. She probably would even know my name.
TL;DR: Delivered furniture to my first elementary school teacher but didn’t tell her who I was because I didn’t want to disappoint her and her big hopes of me.
It’s been eating me wondering if I should have said something.
Comments
You should have said something. She most likely would have remembered you (I ran across my 1st grade teacher 30 years after I was there and she remembered me, and even remembered my favorite book at the time).
She would have been proud that you were working, and that you were doing a good job.
All teachers want is for you to be happy. Yes, they like it when they see their student win a nobel prize, but they also are happy when they see a student just making their way through the world, and providing for their family.
Source: Am dating an elementary teacher.
I would have, I don’t think she would’ve cared whether you were a ditch digger or a brain surgeon, she would’ve just been happy that you remembered her. It would’ve left her with a good feeling, knowing she made such an impression that you remembered who she was, by name even.
I mean, I get it, you froze up, but wouldn’t she have just been over-the-moon happy to hear from one of her little ones?
Aww it would’ve been good to but since you know the address perhaps you could slip a heartfelt letter under the door. Explain that you worked for her the other day and recognised her and how much you appreciate her. Give her a thank you for her impact in your life
If it makes you feel better a lot of adults say they believe in you because that’s how you encourage children. Real life is hard and a majority of us gifted kids became “”failures””. Aka. Life is real as fuck and the world feeds children delusion thinking it will create opportunity/ belief in self. Only leading to a harder crash when real life hits.
You should’ve talked to her.
My high school counselor saw me when I was working at Walmart a few years after I graduated. She helped me with my mental health through high school. She told me how proud she was to see me working and how I overcame depression. She looked genuinely happy to see me. She gave me a hug and told me that she always wonders where some students end up in life and that she’s always happy to see them.
Crazy though, she remembered my first and last name and how I loved reading and drawing. Even remembered my favourite band and asked about my brother by name who also attended the same school.