A gift in my e-mail
This came in Tuesday's e-mail from a former student, addressed to me and several other faculty at A&T:
I know I've only been out of A&T for just a few months now, but, oddly enough, it seems like so long ago, so, already, I feel compelled to go back and thank each of you individually, face-to-face.
But until then, I at least wanted to send this.
Everything's been pretty good with me -- I've been working at the Winston-Salem Journal as their interactive media night editor (basically, the night editor for their website, JournalNow) for about a month now, and I just fully acknowledge how blessed I am that everything's been working out so well for me since graduation.
But ... the blessing began with you all -- there is so much I didn't even realize I had learned and taken in -- so much that I didn't even realize that I would one day need ...that was received, all thanks to you.
Several times, I've heard current and former students of A&T say that they don't or didn't really enjoy their "Aggie" experience, but upon further speaking with them, I come to find out that it is mostly because of their departments.
Well, for the record, let me first say that I've never heard this from a JOMC student or alum, and I've come to know why.
Each of you brings so much to that department and to A&T as a whole, it's amazing. You each play such a significant role in the ultimate success of each student who comes your way ... and you carry that role out to the fullest extent every time!
The email goes on for five pages , to thank faculty members individually, in detail, for their help.
It made my day. And it made all the harried mornings trying to find a a parking space, then sprinting to an 8 o'clock class more than worthwhile.
Comments (2)
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Allen,
My father taught high school 40 years ago and received a letter of thanks from one of his students. The student was kind of a punk and gave my father a hard time but my father kept the letter.
My mother tells me, that to this day, when my father comes across the letter, he still gets choked up.
Sometimes a little appreciation can go a LONG way.
Posted on March 15, 2007 4:52 PM
You're right, Todd. I am always amazed at how former students remember me and are kind enough to say something nice. That's one of teaching's greatest rewards.
Posted on March 16, 2007 6:31 PM