#15: Write a Letter to my First Grade Teacher

Mrs. Hill was my first grade teacher at Oak Hill Elementary in 1986. Recently while cleaning out some old boxes in the attic I found all my first grade papers. Amongst the journals Mrs. Hill made me keep, I found the letter she gave to each of us at the end of the school year. She instructed us to keep up with our math facts and read lots of books. She advised a lot of swimming and minimal TV watching. And at the bottom of this letter, it said, "Keep Writing, you can always write to Mrs. Hill, she will always want to hear from you." And it included her then current address. The letter took me back 24 years… Mrs. Hill was the greatest most patient teacher I had. I knew I had to write her.

While the letter I wrote her is personal, I didn’t think she would mind if I shared it. I mailed it a few days ago (after googling an updated address for her) and I very much hope that she writes back.

Dear Mrs. Hill,

I’m not sure if you will remember me, but you were my first grade teacher at Oak Hill Elementary in 1986. Now, 24 years later, I am about to celebrate my 30^th birthday, a milestone for any woman. To celebrate this event I started a “Thirty Before Thirty” project several months ago. It’s a list of 30 things I wanted to try or accomplish before turning 30 years old. I never imagined the journey this project would take me on when I started.

I have an ongoing blog for friends and family members to track my progress as I work through the list. Creating the blog was a suggestion from my boyfriend, and until I started it, I forgot how much I enjoy writing. You taught me to read, gave me my wings when I succeeded (which I still have), and reading has been a passionate hobby ever since. Moreover you encouraged me to write, a gift I’m grateful for. My blog is similar to the journals you made us keep every morning. I found those very same journals in the attic recently and couldn’t believe it. My spelling was atrocious, but you always seemed to know exactly what I was trying to say.

In working through this list I have faced fears and overcome challenges. It has given me reason to see my family more often, and deepen relationships with them. I have tried new things, uncovered new talents and unearthed old passions. Perhaps most important of all, it has kept me active. I’m having more fun and am happier now than I have ever been in my life. Instead of wishing my life was one way or the other, I’m making it into exactly what I want it to be. This year will no doubt be one of the best in my life.

I found the enclosed letter you gave to all of us at the end of the school year and was instantly struck by what an amazing teacher you are. I know you were my favorite teacher when I was younger, but looking back with the clarity of hindsight I can see just how much patience and love you gave to us all. I simply wanted to say Thank You, you made a strong impact on my life and I wanted to take the time to let you know how much I appreciate it.

I think we all promised to buy you a sports car if we ever won the lottery. Unfortunately I haven’t won yet, but I sincerely hope you got your sports car!

With love,

Allison Bass

Oak Hill, First Grade class of 1986

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