A love letter to the third grade teacher who changed everything — how one woman's kindness, encouragement, and belief in a little girl from a tiny house shaped an entire life, a military career, and a family she's proud of.
💖 LET'S DISCUSS: Who was the teacher that made the biggest impact on your life, and what’s one thing they did that you’ll never forget? 💖
Obviously mine was Mrs. Tsakiris. She went above and beyond, making sure I got to experience things I never would have on my own. With Max graduating high school this year, I’ve been in full nostalgia mode, and when I stumbled upon this old email from when he was about to start Kindergarten, I knew I had to share it!
Thanks so much for reading, Tania! I almost didn’t post it because I worried it might be too personal. But we so often miss the chance to tell people how much they’ve impacted our lives. In this case, I was lucky enough to do just that—and even got a response! I hope this encourages others to reach out to their heroes and let them know just how important they are.
Wow that’s wonderful Sandra, what a great teacher. I had some nice teachers, if I’d given them a chance then it could’ve been better but I also had some awful ones and unfortunately our school was all about the grades and I was not gifted 😆
Thank you!! She was really fantastic! Honestly, I think in elementary most kids could handle the gifted classes barring any learning disabilities. To me, the difference was in how the classes were taught, with the gifted classes being more hands on and dynamic than non-gifted classes. If all students were taught that way, I think most would excel. They were just more fun. So it wasn't you... it was the school system!
Pretty incredible that she remembered after all this time. Made her reply even more special. Especially because my husband never believes that I was ever good at math but now I have proof!!!
This is so great that not only did you have a Mrs. Tsakiris in your life, but you thought to write to her and let her know the impact. It means so much to us teachers to hear what happens to those students we had years ago. I have saved a few little notes from students too. They are a pick-me-up at times when I need it.
It makes my heart happy that you have notes from your students and you actually look at them often! I bet that for every student that wrote you a note, there are 10-20 students whose lives you changed in the same way Mrs. Tsakiris changed mine. To be fair, though, sometimes the impact isn't really known until years or decades later, when it's too late to say anything. I'm just grateful I had the opportunity to tell her while I could. Thanks so much for your lovely comment!
As a former ESL teacher, I have to say this is about the most excellent thing on the planet you could do. Not only did you thank your teacher, you told her exactly what she did and why it mattered. As teachers we always hope that something we did or said positively impacted just one kid. To contact your teacher with that wonderful letter... what a gift! :) Awesomeness at its finest!!!
Awwww, thank you!!!! I wanted her to know what she did for me. ✨ And I so appreciate what you do!! We moved to FL from Puerto Rico when I was four years old so up until then, I only spoke Spanish. I actually learned English in kindergarten in ESL! Without teachers like you, I would’ve struggled so much more. You are so appreciated!
WHOOOOOO this one was super special. I feel special just reading about your experience. Ms.Tsakiris, you are amazing! This is super inspiring and I can only hope to have beautiful souls like her in our children's lives as well. Thanks for sharing this
This is such a beautiful post! I had a handful of teachers who made a difference in my childhood and what a gift those teachers have given us and countless others. And what a gift you gave to Mrs. Tsakiris by sending her this letter. It’s not something most of us would take the time to do and it obviously touched her deeply.
I forgot about the Pizza Hut pizza coupons for reading! I was all about those. Reading AND pizza??? What’s not to love about that?
Thank you, Rebecca! I remember being so anxious about Max starting kindergarten—it totally brought back memories of my own elementary school days. Third grade was a real turning point for me, and I’m so grateful Ms. Tsakiris was there to steer me in the right direction. If I could, I’d give her the biggest hug EVER! 💖
And I blame that program for my total lack of control around pizza! 🍕
I love this! My high school history teacher made the biggest impact on my life because of his passion for history and teaching. I write to him often, usually telling him that once again, I've taught my students using a lesson I got from him back in 11th grade.
He was also the first paid subscriber to my Substack :) 20+ years later, Mr. Cadman is STILL supporting his students, lol
That's AMAZING!!! It must be so gratifying for him to not only see you grow into adulthood, but to also know that you're passing down his wisdom! He sounds so awesome. I bet you never imagined that you'd become friends with Mr. Cadman when you were in his class! 🤣
This warmed my heart. Teachers can be such an incredible force for good in our lives! I loved seeing your email to your teacher and her reply.
My version of your Mrs. Tsakiris was Mr. Gonzales. He was one of my high school teachers and he was the model of patience, curiosity, and allowing a young adult to explore their interests. I was really into quantum physics as a junior and he let me do this entire non-sequitur presentation about space-time for his philosophy class.
Those are the best teachers - the ones that encourage exploration and curiosity! Do you still have the presentation!?? I wonder what your son would think about it. Also, how did you go from quantum physics to cooking... what was in between??
There wasn't really an in between. I was always into cooking/baking and have been interested in quantum physics ever since I discovered the works of Michio Kaku in middle school (still love him). I still enjoy reading physics books as well as philosophy. I don't have the presentation still, alas!
Everything I know about quantum physics I learned from Ant Man, so I probably need some Michio Kaku in my life. Did you watch "Lessons in Chemistry"? I have it in my Netflix queue but haven't gotten to it yet. If you have, what did you think about it?
I have not seen that show on Netflix. I'll add it to my list! I recommend starting with "Hyperspace" by Michio Kaku, super fun and accessible read, even if it is quite a few years old at this point.
💖 LET'S DISCUSS: Who was the teacher that made the biggest impact on your life, and what’s one thing they did that you’ll never forget? 💖
Obviously mine was Mrs. Tsakiris. She went above and beyond, making sure I got to experience things I never would have on my own. With Max graduating high school this year, I’ve been in full nostalgia mode, and when I stumbled upon this old email from when he was about to start Kindergarten, I knew I had to share it!
This was so heartwarming to read Sandra thanks for sharing ❤️
Thanks so much for reading, Tania! I almost didn’t post it because I worried it might be too personal. But we so often miss the chance to tell people how much they’ve impacted our lives. In this case, I was lucky enough to do just that—and even got a response! I hope this encourages others to reach out to their heroes and let them know just how important they are.
Wow that’s wonderful Sandra, what a great teacher. I had some nice teachers, if I’d given them a chance then it could’ve been better but I also had some awful ones and unfortunately our school was all about the grades and I was not gifted 😆
Thank you!! She was really fantastic! Honestly, I think in elementary most kids could handle the gifted classes barring any learning disabilities. To me, the difference was in how the classes were taught, with the gifted classes being more hands on and dynamic than non-gifted classes. If all students were taught that way, I think most would excel. They were just more fun. So it wasn't you... it was the school system!
Ah! What an incredible story. Teachers can be such a powerful influence. I love that you sent this to her and love that she remembered you, too! 💕
Pretty incredible that she remembered after all this time. Made her reply even more special. Especially because my husband never believes that I was ever good at math but now I have proof!!!
HA HA! I love it!
This is so great that not only did you have a Mrs. Tsakiris in your life, but you thought to write to her and let her know the impact. It means so much to us teachers to hear what happens to those students we had years ago. I have saved a few little notes from students too. They are a pick-me-up at times when I need it.
It makes my heart happy that you have notes from your students and you actually look at them often! I bet that for every student that wrote you a note, there are 10-20 students whose lives you changed in the same way Mrs. Tsakiris changed mine. To be fair, though, sometimes the impact isn't really known until years or decades later, when it's too late to say anything. I'm just grateful I had the opportunity to tell her while I could. Thanks so much for your lovely comment!
As a former ESL teacher, I have to say this is about the most excellent thing on the planet you could do. Not only did you thank your teacher, you told her exactly what she did and why it mattered. As teachers we always hope that something we did or said positively impacted just one kid. To contact your teacher with that wonderful letter... what a gift! :) Awesomeness at its finest!!!
Awwww, thank you!!!! I wanted her to know what she did for me. ✨ And I so appreciate what you do!! We moved to FL from Puerto Rico when I was four years old so up until then, I only spoke Spanish. I actually learned English in kindergarten in ESL! Without teachers like you, I would’ve struggled so much more. You are so appreciated!
WHOOOOOO this one was super special. I feel special just reading about your experience. Ms.Tsakiris, you are amazing! This is super inspiring and I can only hope to have beautiful souls like her in our children's lives as well. Thanks for sharing this
I’m so happy you loved it! She really is amazing so wherever she is in the world, I hope she’s happy!!
This is such a beautiful post! I had a handful of teachers who made a difference in my childhood and what a gift those teachers have given us and countless others. And what a gift you gave to Mrs. Tsakiris by sending her this letter. It’s not something most of us would take the time to do and it obviously touched her deeply.
I forgot about the Pizza Hut pizza coupons for reading! I was all about those. Reading AND pizza??? What’s not to love about that?
Thank you, Rebecca! I remember being so anxious about Max starting kindergarten—it totally brought back memories of my own elementary school days. Third grade was a real turning point for me, and I’m so grateful Ms. Tsakiris was there to steer me in the right direction. If I could, I’d give her the biggest hug EVER! 💖
And I blame that program for my total lack of control around pizza! 🍕
I love this! My high school history teacher made the biggest impact on my life because of his passion for history and teaching. I write to him often, usually telling him that once again, I've taught my students using a lesson I got from him back in 11th grade.
He was also the first paid subscriber to my Substack :) 20+ years later, Mr. Cadman is STILL supporting his students, lol
That's AMAZING!!! It must be so gratifying for him to not only see you grow into adulthood, but to also know that you're passing down his wisdom! He sounds so awesome. I bet you never imagined that you'd become friends with Mr. Cadman when you were in his class! 🤣
This warmed my heart. Teachers can be such an incredible force for good in our lives! I loved seeing your email to your teacher and her reply.
My version of your Mrs. Tsakiris was Mr. Gonzales. He was one of my high school teachers and he was the model of patience, curiosity, and allowing a young adult to explore their interests. I was really into quantum physics as a junior and he let me do this entire non-sequitur presentation about space-time for his philosophy class.
Those are the best teachers - the ones that encourage exploration and curiosity! Do you still have the presentation!?? I wonder what your son would think about it. Also, how did you go from quantum physics to cooking... what was in between??
There wasn't really an in between. I was always into cooking/baking and have been interested in quantum physics ever since I discovered the works of Michio Kaku in middle school (still love him). I still enjoy reading physics books as well as philosophy. I don't have the presentation still, alas!
Everything I know about quantum physics I learned from Ant Man, so I probably need some Michio Kaku in my life. Did you watch "Lessons in Chemistry"? I have it in my Netflix queue but haven't gotten to it yet. If you have, what did you think about it?
I have not seen that show on Netflix. I'll add it to my list! I recommend starting with "Hyperspace" by Michio Kaku, super fun and accessible read, even if it is quite a few years old at this point.
That’s because it’s on Apple TV+, not Netflix. 🤦🏽♀️ I swear, I have the memory of a flea lately! I’m blaming it on perimenopause.
I blame everything on perimenopause lately. Right with you girl!