My 9th grade keyboarding teacher

by Jessica Clough

My high school keyboarding teacher quickly became my hero. I was a shy student with low self-esteem. She spent many days after class helping me with assignments and just talking.

The day that really sticks out to me was the third or forth day of class. I did not know how to log on to the program we were using. Instead of asking for help I sat at my computer almost crying. She came over and asked me to step into the hall. She made me look her in the eyes and say her name. I refused and looked at the ground. Before I came to tears I looked and granted her request. It was hard but I did it! Then she told me she would not help me unless I asked. When she let me back in she came over and asked if I needed help. I whispered what I needed help with. She stuck with me for the rest of the semester helping me any way she could.

She was determined from the first day she met me that she was not going to sit by and let me get away with disappearing in the crowd. Luckily we kept in touch through out high school.

She is the reason why I decided I want to be a teacher. I hope in the fall I can make a difference in just one student.

We lost touch for four years. Luckily I was doing my student teaching and my mentor teacher knew who she was. I emailed her and now we have reconnected again.

She was the best teacher I have ever had. I wish more teachers would love their job and students the way she does.