Teachers are amazing people. The commitment they give not only to their work, but to their students who are ultimately a product of that work is really awe inspiring. I was speaking with my cousin the other day as both of our Mom’s are about to enter a new phase of their lives when they retire from teaching as college professors and we were reflecting on truly what amazing careers both women have had in their respective fields. 

     As Ali and I were talking and reflecting on how our Mother’s work is never really done, we were noticing how they always find a way of applying a life lesson to a situation and also that people tend to be drawn toward them as mentors, advisors, and friends. 

     Teachers possess a patience unlike anyone else. When you find one who you have that special bond with, it can be life changing. I’ve been fortunate to not only have some of the most wonderful instructors on my path to educational success but also on my journey to grow as a person as well. 

    It started with Mrs. Brady in Kindergarten with her “Be Kind and Work Hard” philosophy that I’ve touched on in previous posts on here before. Then there was Mrs. Fowler who helped me through one of the most difficult years of my life in school. Due to some pretty intense health challenges that year, Mrs. Fowler got me through the school year but also through life and would come to my house to do so. She was truly an angel with her warm smile and endless amounts of patience. Then in college there was Dr. Hall. We just bonded. We really understood each other in a special way that felt like we had known each other for a thousand lifetimes. She encouraged me to move to CA right after graduation. We kept in touch and she has to this day remained one of my most influential teachers to date. 

     Finally, Dr. Matt Brunson is probably the last teacher I had that really learned about life from. He wasn’t even technically MY teacher, although he was on staff at UCSD medical school as a “professor” so he was an actual “educator” of sorts, but I learned some real valuable life lessons from him. Like, “when the dust settles Miranda, the caged bird will always sing again.” And “if you don’t process the emotions at the gut stage, they will find a way to grow their way out. It might be through your skin, your hair, your sleep, or your relationship, but it WILL come out. Trauma is a powerful thing and needs to be dealt with and cut off at the root”.

     Man I could have saved myself years of expensive therapy bills if I had just listened to him early on. But things always work out how they’re supposed to. Matt passed away not long after his 51st birthday and I often think of him as I write these blog posts as he was really one of the first people to inspire me to write this. He believed I had a story worth telling and that maybe I could put a spin on it in a way where the bullshit wouldn’t rise to the top, but maybe the good stuff would instead. And so began my quest to tell stories and points of views with Just. The. Good. Stuff. 

     As graduations roll around and school years are coming to an end, take a few minutes and think about the people in your life (the family members, bosses, mentors) who have made a difference in your life. Who has made you a better person because of the lessons they’ve taught you over the years? Then maybe the next time you see them, remember to give them and extra pat on the back and a quick wink or a hug of “thanks” for the years of service. Because for all those teachers out there, you’re doing something far more valuable than you are ever recognized for. Thanks for all your GOOD WORK! We truly couldn’t do it without you. 
Congrats to my Mom, Carol “Kickie” Britt and my Aunt, Dr. Lillian Little on their retirement this year. The future holds many new, wonderful things for both of you, and we love you so very much!