As an elementary school teacher in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area for ten years, I have had the privilege of shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been reconnecting with my former students as they enter the workforce, college, and their careers. This journey of reconnection has not only brought immense joy to my life but has also reinforced the impact my career and the job satisfaction I get from being a public school teacher. While I also have filled my time and enhanced my career with several contract and self generated ideas, businesses and opportunities, public school teaching has occupied 12 years of my career and colored much of my identity.

One of the most profound influences on my own teaching journey was my former 8th grade English teacher, Ms. Genie Rosebrock, who reconnected with me during my time in graduate school. She became a mentor, offering unwavering support and encouragement throughout my journey to becoming a teacher and throughout my career. Her handmade holiday cards, phone calls during difficult times, and even the very same lesson plans from my days in her classroom – she shared a great deal with me. And those gifts became an essential part of the career I built in education. Her dedication to teaching with passion and understanding, rather than being preoccupied with test scores and rigid systems, motivated me to prioritize building strong relationships with my students and their families over the conventional culture of parents, teachers and students.

In my own teaching practice, I have strived to emulate the qualities of the teachers who inspired me. I have made it a point to reconnect with my former students whenever they reach out on social media. These reconnections have proven to be a source of mutual encouragement and pride. Recently, I took a proactive approach by reaching out to my former students who are now embarking on their careers, inviting them to participate in virtual career day Zoom calls with my current students. During these weekly Wonder Wednesday sessions, I have invited several former fourth, fifth and sixth graders to talk to. my current student about their jobs and emerging careers. Students met and asked questions to learn about careers in chemistry, medicine, accounting, information technology, and rescue service careers.

These virtual interactions have been incredibly fulfilling. They allow me to continue encouraging and celebrating the achievements of my former students by showcasing them as role models to my current students. During these sessions, my former students share their experiences, answer questions, and connect their elementary school learning to their current careers. This connection helps my current students understand the practical applications of the skills they are developing and provides them with real-world examples of success.

One of the highlights of these virtual career days is the Q&A session. My current students eagerly ask the guest former students about their time in my class, often digging up the funniest or most unexpected stories. It’s always surprising to see what moments have stuck with them over the years. These interactions create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere, where students from different generations encourage each other in their learning and celebrate their identities as lifelong learners.

Reconnecting with my former students has been a profoundly rewarding experience. It serves as a reminder of the lasting impact teachers can have on their students’ lives and the importance of nurturing those connections. I am grateful for the opportunity to sit at the crossroads of generations, fostering a sense of community and shared success. As I continue to encourage my former and current students alike, I am filled with pride and joy, when I see over and over again that the seeds of learning we plant today will continue to grow and flourish for years to come.