The Teacher Who Changed My Life 💌

A Heartfelt Thank You to Mrs. Tsakiris

Hi, fabulous friends!

I’m about to take you back to 1986, third grade, where a tiny, book-loving, math-obsessed version of me crossed paths with one of the most amazing teachers ever—Mrs. Tsakiris. This is the story of how one teacher’s kindness and encouragement changed the entire course of my life. I’m sharing this letter to her, not just to give her the shoutout she absolutely deserves, but also to remind all of us about the power of a great teacher. Get some tissue because this one’s got all the feels!

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From: Sandra Serrano
Sent: Tue 3/15/2011 6:45 AM
To: Mrs. Tsakiris
Cc: Me
Subject: Thank you!

Mrs. Tsakiris,

I just recently watched the documentary "Waiting for Superman" because I have a little boy that will be starting kindergarten next year.  A good education is something I always took for granted because I always had a great one - you could say I got on the high track and stayed there. Its not something I thought about deeply until recently, and in doing so, I thought of you. I'm almost 100% sure you were my third grade teacher in 1986-87, and I wanted to let you know how much of an impact you were in my life.

The first time anyone took any interest in me outside of my home was in your class. You convinced my mom, who spoke no English, to let me join the Girl Scout troop you were leading (your daughter was also in Girl Scouts at the time). We were Juniors, and it was so cool to wear that green uniform. You used to give me rides to all the camping trips and Girl Scout activities because my mom wasn't able to, and you made sure I was included in every activity. I remember one night staying at your house before a big trip, and being so amazed by your pool. It was so different than my own home, and it was a huge moment for me because that's when I realized that there was more in life than what I saw in mine.

I remember that class was a gifted class and it was the year I fell in love with reading. You read "Where the Red Fern Grows" to us. It was so sad...I still think about that story and keep meaning to reread it now that I'm an adult. Initially, I only wanted to read for the free pizza coupons they would give the students when we read a certain amount of books. We hardly ever had pizza at home and here they were giving it away! But then I was intrigued by all the stories (especially the Sweet Valley High series!), and was forever after known as the "bookworm" in my family. Today, my Kindle is my best friend and I get excited shopping for books the way my girlfriends get excited shopping for clothes!

I stayed in the gifted program all the way through high school, where I took as many honors and AP classes as I could. At the same time, I worked a full-time job after school at JCPenney for two years. I ended up getting a scholarship to PBCC for free tuition because I was in the top 10% of my graduating class. At one point I was ranked at #7!  Senior year was so overwhelming, though, since I didn't have anyone to help me decide what college to go to or which scholarships to apply to. There was no way my mom could afford to pay for my college education. I figured I'd go to PBCC while I figured it out, but that only lasted two weeks. I wanted to see the world...so I joined the Air Force! I've been in the military ever since as a Chinese, Pashto and Spanish linguist, and am set to retire in about eight years.

I have a great life, Mrs. Tsakiris. I live in Hawaii; I've been married to an amazing man for over seven years (together for over 12!); we have a very smart and adorable 5-year old boy named Max; we have a cute 11-year old pomeranian; we own two homes (one here in Hawaii!!); we have our bachelor's degrees; and, we are financially very comfortable.

You are, hands down, one of the biggest reasons why. You opened my eyes to a different world that I had no access to otherwise (Girl Scouts, museum trips, camping, math competitions, etc). You helped me believe in my intelligence. You cared about me inside ~and~ outside of the classroom.  You instilled in me the desire to want more in my life than what I thought was possible at the time. Because of all those things, I'm an intelligent, independent, and pretty awesome woman (if you can believe my husband!). ;-)

You not only influenced my life, though... indirectly, you're now influencing my sister's as well. She's currently in college studying Criminal Justice and has a full-time job at a lawyer's office. She's a single mom, but she doesn't let that stop her, and she credits me as the biggest influence in her life.  She wants to be like me... but I wouldn't be me if you hadn't been my teacher in third grade.

I will never be able to find the words to thank you enough for taking an interest in me back then. Third grade was when my life changed, even though I didn't understand that until just recently. I'm sorry its taken me so many years to thank you, and I just want you to know that even that you've done what every teacher dreams of doing:  you've ~changed~ lives. You changed the trajectory of mine, and I can't imagine that I'm the only one you've done that for over the years.  You are an amazing teacher and I will always remember you. I pray that Max has at least one teacher like you that influences his life in the same way.

From the bottom of my heart... thank you.

Sincerely,
Sandra Serrano Resto (now Sandra Speed)

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From: "Mrs. Tsakiris"
Subject: RE: Thank you!
Date: March 22, 2011 at 8:55:16 PM GMT+1
To: "Sandra Serrano"

Dear Sandra,

Yes, I remember you!  You were the tiny little kid who LOVED math!  In fact, I just recently saw a picture of you go by while I was moving around some boxes in my garage.  Look at you now...you're all grown up with a handsome husband and a beautiful child.  I am glad that everything has worked out so nicely for you.

I am still teaching.  I now teach 5th grade at Crystal Lakes Elementary in Boynton Beach.  The School Board cancelled the SOI class many years ago.  What a shame.  They didn't think it was worth the money.  I would love to send them a copy of your letter just to let them know how terribly wrong they were.

My daughter, Diana, is a single mom.  She and her son, Zyler, live with me.  He is a wonderful boy and I feel honored to be able to be with him every day.  He turned 12 in December and is already taller than me.  He is expected to grow to be 6'4" or more...Diana is 6'2" and his dad is taller than her, so he comes by his height naturally.

I want to thank you for your kind words.  You really made my day.  I shall cherish your letter forever.

Take care.  I'm very proud of all that you have accomplished so far in your live.  Enjoy your beautiful family. Thanks again for thinking of me.

Fondly,
Mrs. Tsakiris

✨ Thanks for reading! ✨

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Let’s Discuss:

Who was the teacher that made the biggest impact on your life, and what’s one thing they did that you’ll never forget?