Currently the labour situation in BC is very challenging. My daughter, a middle school student, decided to write the newspapers to offer support for her teachers. A shortened version of her letter was published, but here is the full text of her letter:
To the Editor,
My first day of school. I remember letting go of my parents’ hands and walking into the colourful yet intimidating classroom. Immediately I was overwhelmed with emotions. When my parents had to leave, I remembered feeling so alone; so afraid. Little did I know I was about to embark upon the most incredible, exciting journey of my life.
As I began my journey through school, I quickly realized that I had no reason to be nervous. Whenever I needed help, a teacher was there for me. Whenever I needed someone to talk to, they would listen to me. They always respected me. They always listened. They always helped. They always cared.
It sickens me to see how teachers are so disrespected by the government. The current political situation is unacceptable. All teachers do is give, and this is what they get? It’s not fair. There needs to be a change, and it needs to happen now.
I would honestly be nowhere if teachers weren’t as supportive and generous as they are. Not only have I learned my academics, I have also developed great life skills. Our world would be a chaotic mess without teachers – can you imagine your life without an education? There’s no debate that teaching is one of the most important jobs ever.
I don’t know if I’ll ever truly understand how teachers can be so passionate about what they do. Every day they wake up eager and enthusiastic to educate young people. I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to get an education as exceptional as the one I’ve been receiving so far, and I’m only in Grade 9.
“I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” – Christopher Reeve
Teachers are true heroes. Is this any way to treat a hero? Let’s make a change.
Willa Holmwood
Kelowna, BC