"Thank You, From A Former Student." A Letter To My 7th Grade Hero

My 7th grade math teacher's reaction to learning I was being bullied has been one of my most powerful memories, and has stayed with me into my adult life. So today, I let her know. And her response exemplifies what all teachers should be for their teenage charges: a reminder, in one way or another, that it gets better.

After 10 years, I finally was able to find the words to say "Thank you."

She's been on my mind for ten years. today I was able to track down her email address and send this message.

And her response will be similarly memorable to me.

Being a teenager is the worst. Being bullied as a teenager is the actual worst. Take a second to thank the person that made you believe it would get better.

Because it does!