As I reach the end of my college experience, I’ve noticed how important it is to have a kind teacher. Our lives are filled with so much learning, and it will never be an easy process. The dictionary definition of the word teacher is “A person who teaches, especially in a school.” This is extremely simple, and in my opinion, that’s not all that a teacher should be.

When I was in elementary and middle school, there were several years when I felt hated by my educators. For context, I was a very quiet kid in school. I tried my best to follow all rules, so I was always confused about why I felt so dismissed.

I was called stupid and a liar on more than one occasion, by adults that I had to trust and obey. At the time, it was stressful and unfair. But now I’m a little thankful that I was shown examples of what authority shouldn’t look like. There was another time when a teacher said we should walk in the hallways carrying a book to “appear scholarly.” Were our minds not growing fast enough for you?

Not knowing the warning sides as a child is so unfortunate because it reminds me of the control I didn’t have. One teacher in middle school who called me stupid, used the “excuse” that they called my actions stupid, not me as a person. Looking back, I am befuddled by that statement. However, I cried during that moment.

I’ve also been yelled at by a teacher in elementary school because they accused me of something that I genuinely did not do. I, of course, cried during that too. The confusing part of all of this, is that when I would cry, I would be called a liar and shamed due to my “guilt.” I remember one of my friends telling me, “It’s okay. Just try not to cry. They’ll be more convinced that you did it if you cry.” She was completely correct, which is insane, because I was a child. Additionally, I am a human being with emotions.

I’m grateful that college has shown me another different perspective on learning, especially with the professors I’ve had. I’ve never felt judged or ignored by any of them. There might’ve been situations where communication was a little blurred but overall, I have guided myself to where I’m supposed to be academically and creatively.

A kind teacher remains in your memory. A kind teacher respects you no matter the authority they have. What is the point of teaching if you don’t genuinely want to positively impact a student’s education in some way?

To the kind teachers that I’ve had throughout the years, thank you. You guided me as much as possible while also allowing me to help myself.

As for the teachers who made me feel weak and small-minded: I was your student, not your subject.