As I walked into the primary school, I looked down at my new black Mary Jane shoes—I wanted to be anywhere in the world but Fountain Inn Elementary School.
I stood at Mrs. Blackstone's door. Before I tried the great escape, the wooden door suddenly opened to the loud voice of Mrs. Blackstone, my new fifth grade teacher.
"We've been waiting for you!" She said loudly. With a smile my mom walked away and I was left standing in front of a group of students.
Over the next few days, Mrs. Blackstone made it her job to find me a new best friend. During history lessons, when I didn't want to speak in front of the class, she'd not only call on me but have me stand up to address my classmates.
One spring afternoon, Mrs. Blackstone asked me to stay after class.
"I'd like to speak with you, Amanda."
My mind raced. Had I made a bad grade? Had I hurt someone's feelings?
"Are you enjoying your new school?" She sat comfortably behind her desk.
"I want to tell you something, between you and me, not to be shared with anyone else." With her eyebrows raised she continued, "I see something special in you. The way you communicate with others, the kindness you show—I think you have great potential to be something very important."
I listened attentively to every word.
"I've been a teacher for over twenty-five years; I can see it. But you must believe in yourself. That's very important. Remember that and you'll go far."
She then hugged me and said, "See you tomorrow."
Her singsong voice was music to my ears that day. I walked out of her class, not staring at my Mary Jane shoes, but looking straight ahead with my head high. My teacher saw something special in me!
