"There is a crack, a crack in everything... That's how the light gets in."

These past few days have been particularly difficult for me from a mental health point of view. I won't go into any detail but I have had another breakdown. 

However, here is more proof that even in the darkest of times, to quote the great Leonard Cohen, “There is a crack, a crack in everything... That's how the light gets in.”

“I’m not sure if you remember me but I’m [an old student from my previous school]. I just wanted to let you know how much you impacted my primary school experience and that to this day i still remember and appreciate you. I’ll never forget how you managed to convince my mum to let me go to [the end of year residential trip]. You helped me gain confidence and always told me i would be able to achieve great things. I have now finished secondary school, got good grades in my GCSEs and i’m now in sixth form studying A level Biology, Chemistry and Psychology, in hopes of studying Medicine at university. Anyways i hope all is well with you and your family and once again thank you.”

This is what being a teacher is about. This is what makes it all worthwhile. I am so proud of this child and feel blessed to have taught them and now see how far they have come. 

 

There is a light that never goes out...

Sometimes, you have a really testing week at school. You work flat out and yet fail to keep on top of things. External circumstances act against you. You have to deal with incessant behaviour issues. You then have to deal with the fallout. 

And then: bam - it hits you: you begin to feel a failure. You begin to think: what’s the point? You doubt yourself. You feel burnt out.

You feel desperately alone. And it eats into your home life.

And just when you’re feeling at your lowest, an ex-colleague gets in touch with you and casts a ray of sunshine on things. This is what I received one evening this week:

“I've met a couple of parents of children that you taught at [your previous school] and they absolutely love you, they said their children's school experience was extra special thanks to you! My most recent was this weekend, I went on rugby tour with my daughter and her team mate (…) and parents said, “Do you know Mr G? He’s amazing!”

I just think what a credit to you and all you've done in your time there, even though it didn't end well.... you have a lot of families whose hearts you've touched and a lot of children who will never forget you for the big difference you've made to their schooling experience!

Your name is the talk of top teachers, I felt so proud saying I know you.Keep being the amazing Mr G that makes the children believe in themselves and strive for more. xxx”

Apologies for the exhibitionism. Apologies for the neediness. 

But I was so grateful and was actually moved to tears.

It made me remember why I do what I do, and who I do it for.

I'm not claiming to be the best teacher in the world. But I love my job and I am good at what I do. For every trial there are many more wonderful and fulfilling experiences. 

Thank you kind children, parents and, especially in this instance, to the kind friend who reached out to me when I needed it the most. 

Mr G!

xxx