Remembering Relatable Instructors

Though I’ve had several instructors over the course of my life, there are three who were the most relatable. First was my fifth grade teacher, Sister George. Then in high school it was my botany teacher Mr. Dupway. (sp?) Finally, in my adult years, it was a yoga instructor named Judy. 

I attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and Sister George was my fifth grade teacher. I always wondered about why she had a masculine name such as George. But recently, while doing a little research for this blog, I discovered that nuns took on the names of saints. She must have admired St. George, a Christian soldier known for his valor and selflessness. 

Sister George had a soft chubby face, but her body was compact. Her wire rimmed glasses were quite thick and she had a rather deep voice. I was one of thirty-three fifth graders in her efficient, well run classroom, but unlike at home, I was not lost in the crowd. 

Sister George had a way of making me feel important. She saw my quiet and serious ways and how studious I was about working on assignments. Sister George rewarded those who worked hard and worked well with a smile, a word of encouragement or your paper was displayed on the bulletin board reserved for excellent work.

Knowing that she knew me as a hard worker made me want to learn and to do all my assignments full heartedly for her. 

Mr. Dupway was my high school botany teacher. But, by the time I was in high school I’d lost my zeal for learning. My dad had ended his life and I was more interested in skipping school than going to school. 

But Mr. Dupway fanned my flame. He noticed that I was interested in plant life and entrusted me to taking care of the classroom greenhouse. Along with watering and pruning the plants, he helped me conduct an experiment or two. Though I skipped other classes, his personal interest in me kept me coming back to his class where I had perfect attendance. He is the reason I have a few healthy house plants.

Finally, there’s Judy, the yoga instructor. When Judy was seventy years old, she took a 200 hour yoga instructor course and then began teaching yoga. 

One day, after taking one of her classes, she told me that I’d make a great yoga instructor and that if she could pass the course, then so could I.

Judy’s words inspired me and I took and passed a 200 hour yoga course to become a certified yoga instructor. That was more than sixteen years ago. Judy is still teaching and so am I.  

Those were my relatable teachers; the ones who noticed, ignited and nurtured my passion for learning so that my flame continues to burn.

Why Bother?

Why bother remembering relatable instructors? Remembering those relatable instructors who propelled us in a forward motion, keep us moving in that forward motion. 

P.S.  I wrote the story of my journey to forgiveness for those who need clarity and encouragement when it comes to forgiving someone. You can find A Heart’s Journey To Forgiveness at Redemption Press and Amazon.