“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

The Architects of Who We Are

Since tomorrow is a school day after a break, it seems right to write about it. In our life, we have people that can affect us on our journey. Sometimes a friend (and I’m so lucky that I had that), sometimes our family… and also, since we were little, we have been going to school, and our teachers become a part of our lives. They are an important part of our stories.

Looking back, there are three who made me who I am today:

1. The Joy: Vildan Teacher

My first very lovely teacher was Vildan. She was my kindergarten teacher. She was full of love, joy, and fun—but also strict, so I learned how to behave without things being too harsh. She played the accordion and made us sing and dance, but she didn’t forget to teach us numbers and colors. The first time I realized that I wanted to be a teacher was because of her. I still remember and thank her.

2. The Confidence: Muharrem Teacher

My second classroom teacher was so full of love and support. I was a very shy kid when it came to speaking, but he turned me into a confident child in just one year. We moved to Balikesir from Istanbul and I felt so alone and hurt at first, but now I can say: moving there made me, me. Everybody was so talkative and close. That’s why now I can have chats with everyone. I always liked to talk, but doing it without feeling anxious was thanks to my Muharrem Teacher.

3. The Mirror: Baris Teacher

Then, my English teacher from high school. He was funny, sarcastic, humorous, and also very critical sometimes—as a joke, and sometimes for real. That was the time I became sure-sure about being an English teacher. He was kind of like Chandler Bing mixed with Luke Danes? You know what I mean? I told him, “Baris Teacher, I’m gonna be an English teacher too,” and he said, “God help your students.” Eheheh, he was just like that.

A Little Cultural Note: In Turkey, we often address our teachers by their first names followed by “Teacher” (like Baris Teacher or Vildan Teacher). It’s our way of showing both deep respect and a heartfelt, family-like connection.

I’m so happy that I met all of my teachers, but these three had the biggest impact on me. Now I’m thinking: “Am I being a teacher that leaves an effect?” That’s the only thing I want to do, I’m not gonna lie. Because learning is happening anyway. But the emotions? They come from very deep places and they won’t let go.

Current Mood: Reflective and ready for the first bell.

Currently Listening: Something soulful to get into the “Teacher Mode.”