A simple correspondence...

Eva,
Let me blink back the tears from my eyes and send you a big hug via e-mail!!! Thank you for such a sweet and meaningful letter!! You simply cannot know what a 'lift' you put into my week!!! Yes, my heart does still burn with a passion for education - for opening doors for kids, for showing them that there is 'more', for helping them to reach out and take hold of something higher for themselves and those they love. But, when you're in the nitty-gritty of teaching the SOL's and battling a hundred things that are standing in the way of your students' best, it's easy to become discouraged at times. Your note boosted my spirits back to the lofty heights that drew me to teaching all those years ago (21 years to be exact!)
I am delighted to know that you are going to be an Art Teacher!! Your future students will be so blessed by your presence in their lives!!

I have printed off your note - it'll go in that folder of special things that remind me of why I do this thing called teaching day after day :^)!!!

All my best to you!
Love,
Mrs. Farmer

Kim Farmer
EEMS
Language Arts & Science
5th Grade

---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: "Eva Harrison"
Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2006 23:26:32 -0400

>Dear Mrs. Farmer,
>
>I guess this must seem like a random e-mail from a former alum of
>EEMS, but I've recently realized I had a handful of amazing teachers
>that inspired me to continue my education and strive towards my
>ambitions. I want you to know just how much of a wonderful teacher and
>mentor you were to me several years ago, 11 years ago to be exact.
>This e-mail is far too long in coming. I'm a senior at Emory & Henry
>this year and never would've gotten this far without the constant
>encouragement of my teachers and within the past few years, my
>professors and academic advisors.
>
>What I'm getting at is a simple "Thank You" for your dedication to
>teaching. I've been studying Mass Communications and Graphic Design
>for my years and E&H and have only just decided I want to be an Art
>Teacher. I want to be in the ranks of inspiring women like you.
>
>I hope your heart still burns with the passion for education that it
>did when I was in middle school. You truly are an inspiration. Thank
>you.
>
>I hope all is going well on your front.
>
>Eva Harrison
>
>--
>"Barn's burnt down. Now I can see the moon." -- Masahide
>