![]() “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” - Henry Adams I recently got this email from a former student which served as a strong reminder of this wise quotation. Marveling at the six years that had passed since I first met Roger, I remembered him immediately and felt my face filling up with a huge smile. Dear Maria, I am sending this to you in hopes that you would be willing to write me a letter of recommendation. My name is Roger ____ and I was a student of yours. My major at the time was Nursing in the B. S. N. program. I took your Essentials of Holistic Nursing in the Spring of 2012 and Nursing Care of Communities in the Fall of 2013. I received an A in each of those classes. I am currently applying for a Doctor of Nurse Practice program. When I was applying for this Doctor of Nurse Practice program, I was asked for a recommendation from a faculty member. Right away, you were the first person who came to mind. There are several reasons why I wanted to ask you. You have no idea how much you changed my life. In the Spring of 2012, I started your class Essential of Holistic Nursing. At the time I was working as a nurse in the Emergency Department. I remember how stressed I was and how difficult it was for me to go to work happy. Things changed as soon as I met you. I remember vividly you telling everyone in class your story. I remember telling you how I felt about my employment and I remember what you told me. You said to me, "Your happiness matters and being happy even at your job matters. Live your life and work at a place that cares about you." I just remember feeling for the first time in my career that I had a voice. So I started applying at other nursing jobs and I left this job. From there I went to a new facility where I was not only loved but I was also respected. I currently work in the Trauma department and I am a preceptor for many of the new nurses. Another reason is because I looked up too you. You provided me and the other students with your business card. I still keep in in my wallet as a reminder that I can still keep going. On the card it says, "Something Awaits Us All - Know Your Possibilities." I follow this wholeheartedly and I make sure my son believes in this too. Sorry for going on, but I felt like you should know. It may be hard for you to remember me because of the many students that you have taught. There was two big projects that I did during your classes. One was a group project in which I played a character called Germy. I submitted a photo of me doing this character. We went to a Catholic grade school in the Fall of 2013. There we taught and showed a bunch of first graders how to properly wash their hands. We gave the kids these safe skin stamps to stamp the top of their hand. Each stamp was a different bug, like a spider and a butterfly. They had to wash the stamps off their skin. This was such a wonderful and rewarding day. Another project I did in the Fall of 2013 was a research paper on Low Health Literacy of Urban Adolescents and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. For five weeks I walked around Philadelphia, asking people questions pertaining to this subject. Furthermore, I consulted with experts in this field and made literacy pamphlets as well. I ended up identifying five factors that increased the risk of an urban adolescent contracting a sexually transmitted disease. During my presentation in class, I had the flu and was able to go home after it because of your kindness. My plan with a DNP is further help my community. In addition, the program awards a certificate: Teaching in Higher Education. The last part I am excited because I always wanted to teach! Maria, whatever you decide to do just know that I am still very thankful for the lessons that you have taught me. You made me into a better nurse and person. Thank you very much, Roger ____, BSN, RN My decision was simple. I proudly wrote a letter of recommendation for this shining nursing star. And I know with all of my heart that he will be one of the finest teachers and Nurse practitioners around. All the best, dear Roger - keep soaring and keep believing in yourself … :) ShoutOutsUntil next week, wishing you peace and a bushel of smiles, mar
20 Comments
Mike Friedman
3/21/2018 09:54:14 am
Hello mar - It is wonderful that you are acknowledged by your students long after they have traveled through your class. We are each responsible for passing on what we have learned. You have done that, and there is evidence.
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Verlie Burroughs
3/21/2018 11:05:54 am
This made me smile, thank you mar, beautiful! V.
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Shauna
3/21/2018 12:44:36 pm
What a heartwarming email, Mar! You touch everyone who comes in contact with you. You're kind, sweet, caring, compassionate, funny and musical. To see the effect you have on people in black and white is beyond wonderful - it's magical!
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paula
3/21/2018 01:01:57 pm
Some people pass through our lives like ships in the night, without much ado. Some leave a pleasant memory or perhaps gift us with life-altering inspiration.
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Roger
3/21/2018 03:33:48 pm
Thank you, Thank you Mar!!! Just to let everyone know that she had such a positive impact on my life!! She is amazing and I am forever grateful to know her!! She got me into the program, and I am so excited! Thank you again, thank you so much!!
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It is endearing to see how much influence you pass along to your students and especially how sharing your close connection to near disaster brings others even closer to you. Your kind caring nature is a beacon to your students and a boon to their development. Great story. Hugs.
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What a beautiful letter. I know all too well that when you're a teacher, you often have no idea of the impact you have on your students. You never know how your words, teachings and actions will impact others. It's sometimes a "thankless" profession: you pour your heart into your work, and work hard to inspire and motivate the students in your charge. More often than not, they move on, greetings, grades and smiles are given, and the years and students fade into memory. But then...those memories and love of teaching is re-kindled upon hearing how you have impacted someone's life. These are the greatest rewards in the teaching profession. I enjoy teaching others. Though I'm not doing it right now, and I am trained as a Spanish teacher, I have the "teaching gene." I'll return to a classroom of sorts soon: a classroom that hopefully inspires people on their spiritual journey. That said, treasure these letters. Hold on to them. I once had a mentor teacher tell me to save all the cards, trinkets, letters and notes of appreciation I received because they would remind me - when the going got tough - why I went into teaching in the first place. You sharing this letter here has memorialized it. And when you need a little inspiration, you can come back and read about how much impact you have on others' lives. 💜💜💜
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Dear Cynthia,
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Dear Maria,
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3/31/2018 05:02:01 pm
Hi Mar...
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