The Teachers Who Shaped Me

I heard about the passing of one of my teachers today. He taught me History and Civics in high school. He wasn’t just a subject teacher—he was also my house teacher and my class teacher for two of the ten years I spent there.

That news took me back. It made me pause and think about the outsized role a handful of teachers have had in shaping the person I’ve become. When I look back, three names stand tall on that list: Mr. Aviet,  Mr. Beaman and Mr. Guzder,

• Mr. Aviet taught me History and Civics from the 8th through the 10th grade. He was also my class teacher in the 8th and again in the 10th. FOr a brief time in the 7th whn he joined he taught us English Language 
• Mr. Beaman taught me English Language.
• Mr. Guzder taught me Literature

Different men. Different subjects. Different styles. But together, they left an imprint on me that time has not erased. And here’s the thing; I can’t rank them. I can’t place one above the other. They are all my gurus, and they are equally revered. Two of them are no longer with us, but their influence runs through me still. In how I think, how I write, and how I see the world.

It got me wondering: how many of us truly recognize the role teachers played in our lives? We often talk about mentors at work, coaches, or bosses who shaped us. But before all that, there were teachers. They worked quietly, with no glory, and for the most part, without ever knowing the long shadow their lessons would cast over our lives. I also wonder, how many students ever go back to have a conversation with their old teachers? To tell them what they meant. To share how their words and actions echoed into adulthood.

Maybe that’s the gap. Teachers sow seeds, but they rarely get to see the trees that grow. If you’re reading this, maybe think of the teachers who shaped you. Who made you see yourself differently. Who demanded better from you, and by doing so, made you better. And if they’re still around, maybe reach out. Have that conversation. They deserve to know.

Because when we look back at the people who helped us become who we are, the list is often shorter than we think. And for me, it starts with three men—Aviet, Beaman and Guzder

C