After thirty years in the classroom of primary school, I have come to realize that the tiniest of gestures can make a huge1to a child. This is one such story.
I received an invitation to2an official conference on education at our local high school. As I entered the3, there was a girl who looked 4. I knew she had been a student of mine. I racked my brain (绞尽脑汁) trying to5 her name. My inability to do so made me feel 6, as I have always been able to recall 7students.
Her eyes8mine and she threw her arms around me and said, "Mrs. G. it's me, Sarah, and I' m still9!" The memories came 10back. You see, Sarah was never a student in my classroom. She lost her parents at an early age and then was sent to live with foster (代养) parents. Sarah was unhappy, often in trouble and often in the office. It was during one of those office visits that I first11her. She was writing something in a notebook. I12myself to her and asked her what she was writing. Sarah13her story with me. Her writing spoke to me. It filled my heart and I knew it was healing (治愈的) for her to put her14on paper. Every morning before school she would come into my classroom and we would15her writing skills. Upon meeting Sarah at the high school ten years later, I knew her journey had not been easy. Our conversation that evening was filled with warmth, 16getting to know Sarah was hopeful and 17about her future. She was turning her life around and looking forward to going to college to18journalism.
Driving home, I could not help but realize the great 19 that teachers could have upon their students. Taking time to connect with a child has the power to20change that child's life. That's why I teach.
