Shiloh Rose Archive

I was about twelve I guess, I had social studies in the portable trailer behind the school building. My teacher was Ms. Lawson, she was a young teacher I think she had only been teaching for a few years. I had no qualms about her I thought she was pretty with her bright blue eyes. The first several weeks were uneventful. At this age, I was quite the chatterbox at school and loved to goof off with my friends.

It was in her class, that we learned that the Twin Towers had been bombed. I remember she wheeled out the tv and let us watch as the horrors unfolded. We all had no idea what this would bring. I always enjoyed her class she was strict but fun. I didn’t realize that she would impact my life so much. There are many moments that shape a child’s development. I really never took school too seriously. I did enough to get by, although I was pretty smart. I never tried too hard at anything and would give up easily.

I don’t have a competitive spirit, I have a determined spirit though. I am the type of person who will prove you wrong if you challenge me, but without a challenge I don’t care too much. I now know why I never really tried too hard, because I had no one pushing me. By the time I was in her class, my parents were broken up and I lived with just my dad and I. He rarely talked to me, it was like living with a roommate rather than a father. He would go to work very early in the morning and come home. He would make us dinner or sometimes I would eat whatever was there. He never asked if I had dinner, showered, or did my homework. I was left to my own vices and it was quite lonely.

My life had always been spent trying to stay out of the way and not be a burden. I would do the best I could with my homework and spent a lot of time reading fictional books and writing stories. My dad spent his time between various women, so many I couldn’t count! They would come over, some to never be seen again and some would stick around for months. I didn’t participate in any extra curricular activities because when I asked I was told no. He said we couldn’t afford it but in reality, he used his money to impress women.

Those days spent at school were an escape from the lonely home life. I remember one day the music teacher Mr. Howard, asked if any kids were interested in joining the choir. I saw a few of my friends were going to go and I decided to go too! The weird thing was that the auditions were during Ms. Lawson’s class time. So when I went in the music room to audition, I was shocked to see Ms. Lawson storm in there. She marched up to me and said something to the effect “Marissa, you need to come back to class right now, you are just wanting to goof off and miss my class!”

I was embarrassed a bit, that she called me out like that in front of my peers! However, it felt more motherly rather than spiteful. She saw that I was following rather than choosing a goal for my life. I wasn’t failing her class, I had a C average. I couldn’t argue with her because she was right. I did want to play around and not be in her class. This encounter fired me up, I was determined to show her I could do her little class quite well! By the time the next report card came out I had brought my grade up to an A!

I remember we had a big test over all the state capitals and states, we had to know all of them. I passed the test with flying colors, I felt so good! Then she sent a flyer home that we were going to have an awards ceremony coming up. I told my parents about it and asked if they would come. My dad said no, he had to work and my mom was always late to everything and she didn’t make it either. I was disappointed that I had no family there but wasn’t too shocked. As I said before, school wasn’t a big deal in my upbringing and that’s how my parents were raised too.

The lights in the auditorium went dark and the ceremony began. They went through all subjects and grades of middle school. When I saw Ms. Lawson get up I wasn’t thinking anything of it. She started to talk about a student who worked hard to turn their grades around. I don’t remember all that she said, but I remember that she got very emotional about it. When she called my name I was shocked. I never won anything, I was always in the background of life. I couldn’t believe that I was the most improved student! I had worked hard and actually had something to show for it!

I think that so many children have stories like mine, the parents aren’t really pouring into them as they should. They may be ignored or overlooked and it takes a special teacher to see that. To see a student for who they can become, a decided to take action. Ms. Lawson gave me the harsh, but loving encouragement that I so desperately needed. I could have been an all star student with a bit of extra time and attention. I am so grateful for her seeing me! I actually was able to join the Jr Beta Club after this situation. My grades were good and I felt very proud. I had all A’s & B’s for that year.

I like to think of myself as a noticer, I always try and see people. The forgotten, lonely, and broken and be that friendly face. So many people lack the love that some are so accustomed to and we need people! Let’s be like that for someone this week! Take the extra time to listen, notice, encourage, and uplift others! I pray that Ms. Lawson is still making an impact for others!

Thank you for stopping by my page! Happy Reading! All rights reserved.

ShilohRose77©️