This Teacher’s Day, spare a thought for those who have hung up their chalks and dusters in their lives’ golden years.
How do they feel when contacted by a student?
We asked this question to one of our clients who used to be a teacher. Here’s what we learnt:
Occasionally a student visits or calls to share some good news, to seek blessings before and event, to extend an invitation to a wedding or to a naming ceremony. Those are the high points of their retired lives.
Sometimes it’s sad news or a request to be included in prayers during a particularly challenging time. They find their hearts breaking at the student’s grief.
Here, you can read what another teacher has to say.
But why would you do it?
Do it – contact your teacher – only if you are grateful for any affection showered on you, a beautiful learning experience, a taste of success or simply learning a lesson. If that memory still lingers in your heart, it is time you expressed your gratitude. Not only will it fill the teacher’s heart with joy, it will also give you a deep sense of satisfaction at having expressed your gratitude.
Is it weird to suddenly contact a teacher?
Former students are forever special to teachers and it’s always deeply touching to be contacted by former students. Here’s a beautiful experience shared by a student about writing to her teacher.
It’s quite possible that your teacher will not remember you particularly. But that will not take away anything from the joy of the reunion. Rest assured, your teacher will enjoy being reminded of you and the events of your life as a student.
What would you say to your old teacher?
“Thank you,” is what you want to say; and you’ve already said it simply by making contact. Your teacher would love to know what you’re doing in life and how. Your successes, however big or small, will make your teacher proud and happy. If you’re still nervous, just recall your memories of your student days to set the ball rolling.
How to find the favorite teacher you’ve lost touch with?
Now that is a challenge, especially if the teacher is not on social media. Here are a few tips from our media-savvy, young, care managers, who are close enough to our elderly clients to know how best to reach them.
- First, look them up on social media – many children are helping their senior parents and grandparents get on social media.
- If you know the name of a child or a relative of the teacher, find them on social media
- Check with your classmates in your school group
- Check with the members of your alumni association
- If you knew where your teacher lived, chances are s/he still lives there
