Writers might be influenced by a family member who writes, or motivation is drawn from a much-admired writer. I come from a reading family and absorbed that passion as a child. This brought many pleasure-filled hours to an introverted child. More on this can be found on my, about page.
Why Teachers Matter
The early teenage years opened another door — the door to the other side of reading, equally exhilarating — notably writing. This influence stemmed from my brilliant, nurturing high school English teachers.
One such teacher was Ms Devi Anderson.
Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education ~ Aristotle
My fourteen or fifteen-year-old first impression of my new teacher was that she was so young, vibrant and intelligent. She was passionate about literature and brought Shakespeare to life in our South African classroom, drawing connections, making her students feel the angst and joy of the bard’s characters, and life situations.
She was selfless and spontaneous in conducting weekend literary discussions on the texts studied, and additional literature she selected to extend students’ knowledge and passion for such works — yours truly devoured it all. The discussions were just that — not teacher-talk like so many classrooms of the time. You mattered and your voice was valued. You were praised for trying. Ms Anderson was a godsend to many, more particularly to me. Her presence in my school life had a profound influence on my teaching with a passion and thirst for literature.
In a flashback moment, I recall a lesson on haiku poetry. It was my first lesson on this poetic form, Ms Anderson made it accessible and intriguing with her easy-going, warm manner. Every student received her attention, each made to feel that the work done was worthy of praise and encouragement. To this day, many moons later, I remember the poem I wrote, as a somewhat angsty fifteen-year-old. Here it is (I might have to retreat from global after this revelation!)
Haiku (5-7-5)
‘I stared at his face
Wondering at his beauty
Confused, I slapped him’
My English teacher thought much was said in those short lines, there was laughter followed by a deep conversation on my haiku attempt — the adult ‘me’ now blushes that it might have been a dead giveaway on some infatuation — a missed opportunity, perhaps? Memory does not serve well on that count! The moment remembered is a teacher who made my effort worthwhile.
I am not a teacher but an awakener ~ Robert Frost
From Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night with the love-sick Duke Orsino’s famous lines, If music be the food of love, play on… to novels and poems introduced, my love for literature grew in intensity under the nurturing tutelage of Ms Anderson. Those early days, for which I am eternally grateful, paved the road to writing novels and short stories, and occasional poems in my adult life.
As Shakespeare’s fate would have it, by accident most strange, a bountiful Fortune, (The Tempest), so together with the helping hand of a schoolmate and Facebook, I reconnected with Ms Anderson across the Indian Ocean — I wanted my inspirational teacher to know how influential she was, when two roads diverged in a yellow wood, (Robert Frost), I followed her teaching passion.
Today, these brief months later, we are Facebook friends, and I know my students, past and present, will enjoy knowing this. Many lessons along my teaching career raised the appreciation I had for my English teachers with Ms Anderson sitting at the helm of the list.
It is with gratitude that I share her influence on my teaching career and writing life and the joy in reconnecting with her.
The impact of a teacher who makes all the difference, is never forgotten.
Please share your memorable teachers and their influence on your life or choices in the comment box below.
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