Every kid needs a champion.
Rita Pierson is a well known educator who believes that teachers should connect with their students on a personal level. You can listen to her incredible Ted Talk here-
http://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion?language=en#
My mother is a teacher, and her students are incredibly lucky to have her. She does in the classroom exactly what Rita Pierson says makes the best teacher, which is believing in their students and teaching them to believe in themselves. I know that because not only have I watched her in the classroom, but I’ve lived my whole life having her teach me the same thing.
My biggest champion who was always in my corner without fail, is my mother.
For as long as I can remember she has stressed the value of education, but more importantly, she has shown me just how much she believes in me and how she will always be there when I need her.
In kindergarten she would always not only take me, but also our baby sitters daughter to school and play classical music while quizzing us on what instrument was playing. She would then tell us how smart we were for being able to give her the answers even though they were probably the same five answers every time.
In fourth grade she fought for me to stay in the same class as my best friend instead of going to the new teachers class, and even though she didn’t win, I still remember the effort she put into doing something that would bring me the greatest joy.
In sixth grade when the girls got mean and bullied me, she sat on my bed and held me as I cried and cried, reassuring me that no matter what they said, she believed in and loved me more than anything in the world. She reminded me that it’s my choice who I stay friends with and taught me to pick friends that would help me to be better.
In tenth grade when I was a little heathen who hated the world and everyone in it, she still put up with me and worked desperately to figure out why I was so angry at everything.
Even last year in college when I faced my toughest semester yet taking 21 credits and I called her at midnight sobbing because I was completely overwhelmed with school work, she was there for me. She calmed me down and walked me through some practical steps to get things done. Even when I got sick one semester, she came by after work and brought me soup, crackers, and Gatorade to get me through.
For every field day, choir concert, football game I cheered at, theatre show, swim meet, and everything in between she was there. Cheering me on from the side line.
Believing I was the best at whatever I was doing. Encouraging me to continue working hard and to strive for better.
Mom, you gave up everything for me and Taylor. We could never thank you enough for being the best champion for us there ever was and will be.
I wouldn’t be here without you. I wouldn’t be able to build confidence in my students without the years you spent building confidence in me. I wouldn’t be able to show them what someone who believes in them looks like without having you as my example my whole life.
Thank you for everything, I hope that one day I can be as great of a champion for someone as you are for me.
Happy Birthday Mom! I love you!
