Postcard to John
CBMUSED at 1:39 pm Category: Postcards to the PastTags: cbmused, postcards, teacher student crush
Dear Cléa
Many thanks for your letter. Yes, I took up a lecturing contract in the sun! Very beautiful island and unspoilt. As you can imagine, I’m enjoying myself.
Anyway it is nice to be remembered by my student. I hope you’re doing well as your ambitions are high but good. I’m sure you will reach them.
Please remember me to your friends and wish them all the best. Would be glad to hear of your progress and life at [name of school].
Do write, with best wishes and love
John P
Indian Ocean
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Dear Mr P
I could never get used to calling you John, after all you were twice my age and I had a massive teacher-student crush on you. How I fell for a man who had a trimmed beard and wore sandals I’ll never know.
You were a good teacher, and students remember those who have encouraged them and helped them to succeed, even when school is the furthest thing from our minds. I still remember how you held up my test paper to the class when I got full marks, and how much I blushed when I had to walk up towards you in the science lab to pick it up.
You would be pleased to know that despite many obstacles that seemed insurmountable at the time, I did realise my high ambitions, then went on to realise some more. Life has always been a challenge in that regard. If I can humbly tell you this, I have made you proud.
I hope life in the sun has been kind to you. I’m sure you would have made many a teenage girl’s heart flutter. Thank you for making a 14 year old’s first crush a memorable and happy one.
With admiration
Cléa
May 2nd, 2008 at 3:28 pm
I never had a chance to have a good teacher crush until I was old enough to act on the feelings. But i wonder pretty often where some of those teachers went.
I remember one professor who completely changed my life. I kept trying to take another of his classes, but they were never available. And then I saw his name on the school’s memorial wall.
May 2nd, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Amazing though it might be to admit, I never had that really googley eyed teacher crush thing. I mean my History teacher, Ms Hale was an absolute fox… make no mistake… every other guy teacher was trying desperately to get “in” with her. Smart. Sexy . Great sense of humour. Not to mention waaaaaay out of everyone’s league! Oddly enough, it was one older English teacher that I really liked because she saw my smart arsery for the harmless fun that it was… and gently encouraged it. She also seemed to like my style and sense of humour, and always marked me well… certainly better than I deserved!
Oh… and full marks in science Cléa… noted!
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
This brings back memories alright. I can’t forget the day I actually went out with my English teacher after I graduated. I always had a small crush on her and I jokingly asked her out after one class only to have her say yes…only under one condition that I finish my final exams first. Sure she was 9 years older than me at that time but it didn’t really matter. Never did I have so much fun discussing philosophy and life with someone I didn’t just see as a mentor but as a friend that come to think of it, could have been so much more.
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Casey: I still remember my (first) girl teacher crush. It was innocent yet unusual and to analyse it now would spoil it. Your story saddens me. I have great respect for a few of my teachers, and in some ways they’re idolised like parents.
Gboy: We don’t forget them, do we? There’s always someone, and in the least expected that makes a difference. Just like your English teacher and what you remember about her.
If I can recount a story here as an aside. At the farewell luncheon, when all the girls were crying because it was the end of school, and I was gloating because I hated it and couldn’t wait to leave, this teacher who never taught me came up to me and spoke to me for the first time. “Cléa, I’ve never taught you but I’ve watched you grow all these years into the accomplished young woman you are today and have admired our achievements despite all the obstacles. It has been a pleasure to know you.” He then took my hand and kissed it. I was shocked and so moved by all of it. It changed my perception of all the bad years at school. I’ve never forgotten it.
The science test was about the digestive system. For your notes!
And marked you for your sense of humour… noted
Kami: That’s so lovely. And so good of her to accept. I have met with some teachers outside of school, but they’ve been women, and not past crushes. I wonder how people like her and John remember us, if they still do.
May 3rd, 2008 at 2:50 am
Did he know you had a crush on him? I think male teachers should be allowed to kiss the hands of female pupils who have a crush on them. Would you have liked that?
May 3rd, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I have no idea what is going on but I do wish you the best. I could ramble on but I have bloggers block. Kind Regards JW
May 3rd, 2008 at 3:55 pm
It would be nice if they remember us with fondness. Though…short of creating a memory with them that would last a long time, I doubt that we’re always on their minds.
Would be cool if we’re remembered for something in a passing conversation decades from now.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:58 am
A heartwarming post!
Fantasies about entrapping someone into a statutory rape charge and destroying his career never sounded so wholesome.
May 4th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Gorilla B: I suspect he would have, although I was the shy, quiet and studious type. The teacher who kissed my hand (my comment to Gboy) is someone else, and to be honest, no, I wouldn’t have liked that. I think first crushes should just remain that, distant and elusive, to teach us about more intense crushes we get later on.
JW: Thanks for dropping by, Josh, and I understand bloggers’ block, nasty when it hits. I hope it passes soon.
Kami: maybe not, and maybe one day he’ll find an old postcard from the 15 year old me and think I wonder what she’s doing…
Zen: I love the twist you’ve put on this! In fact, it’s going straight into into the Martini Lounge.
May 5th, 2008 at 5:43 am
You know I’m an advocate of teachers, especially ones who make a positive impact. Having taught adults I have had exactly two women approach me during/after my time teaching them to express an interest in going out. I rejected both of them outright, seeing a date as unprofessional. That said, one refused to take no for an answer.
May 5th, 2008 at 9:48 am
GSR: And?? What happened? Sounds like there’s a good story there!
I had an adult teacher crush once, but it a hate-crush relationship. He was so full of himself and that took the good feelings away.
May 5th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Well - to short the story - I married her.
May 5th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
GSR: Wow… and another wow because I had somehow expected that answer.