My focus today was all about memories related to school and in particular school teachers that made a difference in my life.
Mr. Roberts, Year 5. He wore corduroy jackets with leather elbow patches and had a moustache that twitched when he was trying not to laugh. He was the first teacher who made me believe I could write. Instead of marking my stories with just a grade, he'd write detailed notes in the margins - real feedback, real encouragement.
One day, he read my story about a magical library to the whole class. I was mortified at first, then proud. "Writers," he said, "need readers." That moment changed something in me.
Mrs Henderson, Year 10. She gave up her lunchtimes to help me with Human Biology. I didn't want to take Biology and I was the only person in my year to focus on Human Biology. I had her attention nearly every lunchtime for the whole school year.
She taught me what it was to help people. To dedicate your time to making a difference to someone. To fostering and encouraging education in someone.
Memoir Prompt
Write about a teacher who influenced your life—whether you were aware of it at the time or only looking back now.
Consider:
-
What specific moments stand out?
-
What did the teacher say or do that changed your perception of yourself or the world?
-
Did they praise you? Challenge you? Take time to sit beside you?
Journal Prompt Tips
-
Capture the sensory memory: What did the classroom smell like? What did the teacher wear? How did your heart beat change when they praised you?
-
Reflect on impact: How did that encouragement or presence shape your path?
-
Connect then and now: What would you say to that teacher today? How would your younger self respond?
-
Explore ripple effects: Did their influence show up later in your relationships, career, or self-belief?
Why This Matters
Teachers often shape us before we even know the impact they’ll have. These quiet, formative moments—like being read aloud or invited to linger at lunchtime—stay with us. Journaling them helps us honor those stories and acknowledge how much we carry forward from those who believed in us.
