Connections

The student's gift to me.
I still use it.

Connections

To me, the purpose of teaching is not to fulfill a personal ambition or to prove anything to anyone. It is to guide students toward understanding.

Understanding is different from knowledge. Today, knowledge is more accessible than ever before. With a few clicks, students can find information on almost any subject imaginable. What matters most is not simply acquiring knowledge, but developing the character and wisdom to use it well.

As teachers, we have the privilege of helping students develop that inner compass—learning how to ask good questions, evaluate what they discover, and use their understanding for their own growth and for the good of others. Through honesty, sincerity, and genuine care for our students, their families, and our communities, we build connections that often last far beyond the time our students spend in our classrooms.

Occasionally, we are reminded just how meaningful those connections can become.

Recently, I received the following message from a former student.

May 25, 2026

Hi Mr. Hawley!!!

Honestly, I'm not sure if you remember me, but next week I'm graduating from middle school. It feels like just yesterday I was crying on the last day of school at Akin. It's hard to believe time has flown so fast.

I feel like I should thank you. You have shaped the person I am today. All the advice you gave and the things you said back in fifth grade have always stayed with me. I am who I am because of you.

You are one of the only teachers who ever understood me, cared about me, helped me, listened to me, and treated me with respect. For that I am extremely grateful.

H*** and I were talking today about how much we missed you and what a great teacher you were. You made such an amazing impact on everyone, and you were the best teacher anyone could ever ask for.

Anyway, I just wanted to reach out and tell you that I truly miss having you as my teacher, and I am so incredibly thankful for everything you've taught me. Like I said, I am who I am because of you.

Thank you.

My response:

I never forget my students.

Your note touched my heart. I do what I do for exactly the reasons you mentioned. I believe that a small part of every teacher lives on through the lives of their students, and through them the world becomes a better place.

Please give my love to H*** and to any of my former students you see. I miss all of you.

And yes—I still use your gift to me.

Teaching is not measured by test scores, awards, or recognition. It is measured by the lives we touch, the confidence we help build, and the character we encourage in those entrusted to our care.

Years may pass. Students grow up. They move on to new schools, careers, and families of their own. Yet every so often, one reaches back to remind us that the connection we made in a classroom years ago is still alive.

For a teacher, there are few gifts more meaningful than that.