Despite being a dreary, rainy, and cold San Francisco day, my heart was just warmed considerably. Right after college, I taught for two years in the South Bronx. My first year, I had an incredible student named Mervin who was bright, polite, and everything you could want as a first year teacher. He left after second grade for a gifted school that I worked with his parents to get him into, and I've often wondered about how he's fared.
The other day, I decided to google Mervin's name, to see if anything would come of it, and I found a facebook page that I was pretty sure was his. I sent him a message, telling him that I'd thought of him often over the past 9 years and that I hoped he was doing well. Today he wrote me back. Turns out the facebook page is his dad's, but Mervin Jr. responded to my message. To know that he is alive and well, not a given when you grow up where lives, made my day!
9 comments:
Wow- that warms my heart, on this freezing NY night. What a beautiful story- and how lucky Mervin was to have you help him get such a great start!
Paige,
That is really heartwarming. But what is also heartwarming to me is the reminder of what an amazing teacher you are! The fact that you are still thinking about your students 9 years later says a lot about you! You came into our lives as my daughter's teacher (and my colleague) and to this day she has not had a teacher as special as you. She has been struggling a lot lately, and when she remembers how you were as her teacher, it brings a ray of sun into her life.
Karen
Beautiful story...and what a difference I am sure it makes in Mervin's life to know you still think about him. Fun to see the pic too!
That's wonderful, Paige. Thanks for sharing such a nice story of inspiration. We all have stories about that memorable teacher that made a big difference in our lives. You're clearly that person to him - and I'm sure so many more!
Lots of love,
Erin W
That is lovely. I bet you made Mervin's day, too. Imagine knowing that your fun and wonderful teacher has thought of you over the years? Lovely. xo
fantastic! thank you for sharing this. those kids must all have been lucky to have you! i hope they are all doing well. xo
So incredible, Paige. Just gave me goosebumps! What an encouragement to know you made a really tangible difference in his life! You rock, woman. (-:
that made me a little teary! what an impact that you have made on that young man (and others, I'm sure).
My heart was warmed by your post, too. That's wonderful that you were able to contact him.
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