3 years ago
Jeni Neil
I have been at a loss of what to say for days now, trying to think of the best combination of words and phrases that would do Terri some kind of appropriate justice, yet I always end up drawing a blank. I don’t think there is a perfect message to give that could accurately describe everything she has done for me as both a teacher and human being. When we first started sharing a classroom, I was so intimidated. What could I bring to this dynamic that she didn’t already know? I felt like she should be the one at the front of the room, with me sitting at the back taking notes from her… but she never saw it that way. As a new teacher, she always found a way to give me quiet encouragement, but was also willing to give helpful advice, when asked for it.
Terri brought so much passion and heart to every child she met, but she was also ‘no nonsense’, which a lot of them (myself included) needed. She quickly became someone I could share both my successes and concerns with, and I would always get unbiased support. I loved to sit and watch her working one-on-one with a child (or children) and wait for that special ‘a-ha’ moment when a concept finally clicked for them! She truly changed lives for so many pupils over the years… yet never wanted to receive praise or recognition for it – it was simply something she did because she knew it would make lives better.
Terri’s love wasn’t contingent on being my classroom TA. She continued to always be there for me, academically or personally. Even after her diagnosis, with so much going on, she always checked in to make sure everything was ok and let me know she cared. I will deeply miss our quick chats when she’d pop into the classroom, our giggles in the copy room, and cuddles in the corridor… I will miss seeing her light up when talking about her grandson and her dedication to looking after our annual ‘gift’ of ducklings in the garden.
I want to end this off with one of my favourite quotes. Yes, it’s from The Fox and the Hound, but I think Terri would have appreciated it:
Goodbye may seem forever, farewell is like the end… but in my heart are memories and there you’ll always be xxx
£25.00
