Empowering Influence

Being asked who my favorite teacher was, my mind immediately went back to fifth grade. At that time of my life, I lived in a shell — very insecure and full of questions I was afraid to ask. My fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Merritt, changed my life forever.

Mrs. Merritt determined that every single child had value, and she spent her days developing and encouraging us as individuals and not just “the class” as a whole unit. For those of us who were extremely shy, she helped us to see what we could do. Because I was such an introvert, I threw myself into schoolwork and did well. Instead of singling us out as a separate group, causing more peer pressure and remarks from the other kids, she had each of us work with (or tutor) someone in the class having a hard time. This built self confidence in us but also helped the one we tutored to feel like we were a team.

She made learning fun. When reading a story out loud, she changed her voice for all the characters. She encouraged classroom decisions and a democratic form of government rather than her dictating. This helped each of us at a young age to see what we had to say was important. As I look back on some of her “creative” teaching, including puppet shows for the whole elementary school we made ourselves, I can see her influence on my life and how I try to be creative in everything I do even to this day.

Over 50 years later, before she died, I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to express to her the impact she had on my life in our one short year together.

Sue Wells, Crumpler, a member of Blue Ridge Energy

Merci Beaucoup

It was a perfect storm of three teachers [who had the most influence on me], but of the three, Madame Wallace set the course for my future professional life.

My junior high school French teacher was a tall and imposing woman, not only in stature, but in personality. She was a no-nonsense teacher and ripped a classmate to shreds when he alternated ink colors on his homework assignment!

Her proficiency in French and ability to teach others gave me a strong foundation of the language, to the extent that my college instructors asked where I had learned to speak French so well! She insisted on accuracy, took no prisoners, and established a love for the language and culture at a crucial time in my development.

Due to the love of the French language that she instilled in me, I decided to graduate from high school a year early to become a high school French teacher. In fact, I graduated with a major in French and minor in Spanish which served me well in my 32-year career as a public school teacher of both languages.

During a hiatus in my career in the early 1990s, I substituted at a public school across the country in Anacortes, Washington. When I opened the textbook to start the lesson, my eyes fell on the name of one of the authors of the textbook: Marie Wallace, Bethesda, Maryland.

My ninth-grade teacher wrote the book!! I retired from Wake County in 2019 and have continued to stay connected to the language by tutoring remotely, as well as on a recent 10-day trip to France where many were surprised to meet an American who could speak fluent French! Merci beaucoup, Madame Wallace!

Nancy Green, Ocean Isle Beach, a member of Brunswick Electric

Demanding Excellence

When I think of my most inspiring teachers, it’s difficult to choose just one. It’s because when I evaluate my life, I have to include the ones who gave me my foundation and the one who inspired me with a lasting desire to pursue excellence. The foundation was established by my parents. They were frugal but generous, believed in hard work, education and living by Christian values. Their example and these values have lasted a lifetime.

In 1962, I entered Rust College, a small historically Black college supported by the Methodist Church. I was warmly welcomed by the students; I felt I was part of a big family. During registration, I was advised by several upperclassmen that “Whatever you do, don’t register for

T.C. Bibb’s English Class 101. He will flunk you in a minute.” Although I was a country girl from a very small town, I was reluctant to take their advice. “Don’t I have some input?” I thought to myself.

Well, I did register for Mr. Bibb’s English class, and it was one of the wisest decisions I ever made. He was almost impossible, but at the same time an outstanding teacher. His intimidating demeanor stood in direct contrast to his ability to motivate and inspire (at least me) at the same time. He didn’t expect the students to do their best; he demanded it.

His method of teaching shattered rote memorization. We read the classics, after which we prepared and gave oral reports. We were given what seemed like endless writing assignments that challenged our abilities and improved our skills. He never failed to give constructive criticism, along with recognition and praise when appropriate. No, I didn’t “flunk” English 101. I earned a “B” for each semester and a lifetime of inspiration to pursue excellence; although not always achieved, the pursuit did result in a life well lived and work well done.

Katie M. Robinson, Fayetteville, a member of South River EMC

An Unforgettable First Day

I was assigned to the morning kindergarten session with Miss Blank. (I’m not trying to be covert here to protect her identity; indeed, that was her name.) My friends were all assigned to the afternoon class much to my 5-year-old horror!

The other students in that class will always remember their first day of school due to the terrified girl, clinging on to her mother and the doorframe, wailing and flailing, proceeding to cry on and off throughout her first day! Miss Blank was always so patient, kind and understanding, but what I really remember is how she took the time to talk to me about my feelings — to reassure me and offer me explanations that my frightened 5-year-old mind could understand.

I can clearly recall how she would be at my side, like magic, when I began to feel anxious or upset. How did she know?

She amazed me! She always had an encouraging word and a gentleness about her that immediately made me feel safe. Soon I was eagerly running into her class! I cried on the last day of school too, knowing I wouldn’t be having her as my teacher anymore. Fast-forward to my senior year in high school. I decided to walk through the halls of my elementary school for old time’s sake and who did I see walking toward me in that dimly-lit hallway? Beloved Miss Blank! She hadn’t aged at all and I recognized her immediately, but the crazy thing was that she had also recognized me and called out my full name in greeting!

I was shocked and asked, “How?” She leaned into me and said softly, “Your first day was unforgettable — I could never forget you and how proud you made me during your first year of school!”

Kim Wetherall, Monroe, a member of Union Power Cooperative