I remember when I was in Year 9, so I was probably about fourteen, and this teacher asked me to write a story. I poured my heart and soul into it and handed it in, hoping that the teacher would love it as much as I did.

Even then, my writing was like a child of mine that I sent out into the world. Any judgement that came back negative was like a stake through the heart.

But this one time, the work was handed back and I flipped to the final page and saw that the teacher had written just one word. There was a red tick and the word ‘remarkable’ right there next to it.

I recall sitting there in stunned silence. A teacher who had a degree and had read far more than I could ever dream of reading, had looked at my work and written such an amazing word.

I’ll never forget that ‘remarkable’ that was scrawled across the bottom of my page. Whenever, I am doubting my ability, I do often think back to that day and remember that somebody once saw the very best in me; so the very best is there.

I feel that as a teacher in waiting, I have such an important job, making sure that my students are encouraged in the same way that teacher encouraged me. Of course, I don’t want to lie and tell them they’re amazing when they need to improve, but I have a duty to help them believe in themsleves.

It’s amazing what one nice word can do. Even in the darkest of times, these memories can be dug out and held up to whatever light is available. Just make sure that you have some kind words to say each day. Because there might be a girl that remembers it twenty years later…..

Much Love

Rachel xx