A Memorable Experience by Terri Law

As a senior in high school, I have experienced many difficult situations and dealt with complicated teachers. One of the most intricate situations I’ve experienced included a very difficult teacher. Approximately a year before I was actually enrolled in his class, I received a bad first impression. Although he was an authority, this teacher tended to give the impression of a student. I began to notice this characteristic towards the middle of my sophomore year. I attended class one day and we continued with our daily routine. My teacher saw me as a leader in the class and used me to influence or persuade other students to be respectful and give more effort. He then called me to his desk, but this visit was unusually different from most conversations. Once I approached his desk he began to speak to me about some of his students by name, but this time these students weren’t my classmates. He spoke negatively about them, and I’m sure he knew there wasn’t much I could do to influence this list of students. As time went on, these conversations got heavier. He began to name names, criticize, judge, and hold grudges toward these students. I would watch his interactions with these students. He would smile in their faces and talk about them behind their backs. A very shocking thing was revealed to me; my friend’s mother had a conference with this teacher. This parent is in my family and a very close companion to me. This family member informed me that my teacher gossiped about me during their conference. The more my teacher began to gossip the more respect I lost for him. It got worse as the year came to an end. All the students in his class knew about his secret thoughts. This unwise action caused my teacher to receive a bad reputation.

When I reflect on this situation, I’m grateful for this teacher. He taught me a lot about integrity. This teacher allowed me to understand the difference between authority, students, friends, and fakes. A teacher is an authority, not a friend. Schools are intended for a student to receive an education not to make friends and gossip, let alone with a teacher. I try to see the situation as a positive experience. I have always had integrity, but it has now been enhanced. I am more alert. I respect everyone, regardless of their differences which include characteristics, personality, and decisions. Everyone deserves second chances, so it’s best to forgive and forget. If I don’t agree with someone, I have enough respect for myself as well as them to approach them in a courteous manner and have a professional conversation to express myself. When people gossip, it just causes drama and the gossiper to be looked down upon. It’s best to be open and honest with everyone. When people lie, they are forced to tell more lies to cover up their first lie. Also, once trust is lost, it is very difficult for one to gain it back.

My advice to teachers would be to respect the boundaries set by natural age and take advantage of it. Let students be students and only students. Do not gossip with students, and keep your personal life issues to yourself. By doing this, you will silently persuade students to respect you as an authority, and although, they may not like your teaching techniques, they will have no reason to judge your personality in a negative way.