<\/p>\n
Like an archeologist, I carefully peel each layer to unveil a snapshot of time. 2007 Quarter 1. 2004 Quarter 3. Further and further in time I go as the stacks get smaller.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
I am 27 years old and just finished my PhD. Yet as I pull out each box of schoolwork, I am transported back to what it was like to sit in 6th<\/sup> grade social studies, 7th<\/sup> grade science, and 12th<\/sup> grade economics.<\/p>\n There are classes where I cannot bring myself to throw away a single piece of paper\u2026<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Like 7th<\/sup> grade biology with Ms. Krich. She was one of the best science teachers I ever had. Her classroom was filled with plants and a pond within an inflatable pool. She made us collect and catalog leaves, and taught us songs about vascular plants and their xylems and phloems. She played CDs of bird calls, and showed us how to observe diatoms under a microscope. She was also hard. I worked for Ms. Krich\u2019s approval and she encouraged me and inspired my curiosity like no other.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Or 7th<\/sup> grade English with Mrs. Reynolds. She inspired me to work harder through her ample praise. She knew that I was that type of kid. She loved all of her students and created a nurturing learning environment that felt like a warm haven in the middle school years.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Or 12th<\/sup> grade Creative Writing with Mr. Dury. Mr. Dury prompted me to write more than I have ever written in my life, and, through that writing, come to terms with my 17-year-old life up until then. He introduced me to slam poetry, enjambment, and pacing. We read Dave Eggers, Ernest Hemingway, and a lot of Annie Dillard. Mr. Dury had us write and write and write. His earnest encouragement through it all was exactly what I needed to fall in love again with writing. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n A good teacher never leaves you. If we had rings like a tree, our cross sections would reveal thick rings of healthy, rapid growth ushered in by the good teachers in our lives. And, when it comes to showing appreciation, have you considered the impact of laughter? The Best Gag Gifts<\/a> can be a hilarious way to express gratitude and create lasting memories. Those who would like to give out customized gifts may consider visiting sites like Swagify<\/a> for more custom options.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/linacolucci.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/9thGradeBox_English-01-1.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n