From the vast time gap of elementary school to high school, you've gone through countless teachers. Due to this, it takes great effort to become memorable in the continuously aging student. I consider the paragon of an excellent teacher to be one who can leave an impact in their students and remain forever in their memory.
My current medical teacher matched my personal definition and much more. This just made it more devastating to here that she would be moving to Connecticut next year. I liked to refer to this woman as the backbone to our medical academy, because that is exactly what she was. Making it a priority to know every student's name and engaging them in conversation, it was hard not to notice her.
It is irrefutable to say that she was loved by all her colleagues, but sadly a lot of student didn't feel the same. Her blunt, truthful personality which I found refreshing was a certain turn off for quite a number of students. What they didn't realize was that her bluntness showed you where you stand right now, and where you need to/could be.
When I think of her, I see the countless lectures she's spoken in the wee hours of the morning. There was always something you could take away from them to not only become a successful health care professional, but a successful individual itself.
I will also remember her as one of the few individuals who've jump-started my future. By being in the medical academy I've experienced many individuals who wish me the best of luck and their support, but it seems as though these days, they are mere words. This wonderful lady went beyond words with a sincere action. She gave me a precious gift: Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary Edition 16.
As dull as that gift might sound to some, this book was practically an acknowledgement by her saying I'm going to need it in my medical-related future. This was the solid proof of support I needed, one which I had lacked. Whenever I open up that book, the memory of how I received it immediately rushes back to me.
Besides handing me this dictionary, you aided me in expanding my reading interests. I went from reading my mushy romance books to incorporating books like "Hot Zone" (Ebola outbreaks) and "Writer, M.D." (personal experiences from renown doctors/surgeons). I can even see myself writing a book within this genre in the distant future.
I would like to wish a Happy Nurse & Teacher Appreciation week to this lovely lady and all the other nurses and teachers out there!
