Ode to Jan...

It is said that “the mediocre teacher tells, the good
teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates,
the great teacher inspires.” To say that I aspire to be great
goes without saying; what is of the utmost importance
is that I thank Jan McLaughlin. This is one of those
moments in life where a thank you definitely does not
do justice.

Jan, my mentor and a constant in my life since I was
fifteen, is retiring. Although her retirement is an
increasingly difficult concept for me to accept, I find
that among some tears, are actually smiles.

This is the woman who taught me to love words. It is
because of her teaching tactics and distinct enthusiasm
that I love reading and writing. It is because of her that
writing has become one of my passions. Jan McLaughlin
is unsurpassed in her teaching strategies. She is able to
weave patience and humor while entertaining. To say
that I put her on a pedestal is a gross understatement.

It was my junior year at Providence when I entered into
Mrs. McLaughlin’s world. I recall sitting quietly in my
seat and ironically, feeling intimidated. Soon enough,
I marveled at how cool she was. She had a personality
that breathed this amazing vitality into the room.
Little did I know that aside from being my inspiration
to teach literature and writing, she would also be my
friend after graduating.
Twenty years later, when students thank me for
teaching them to love reading and writing I remind
them that they need to thank Mrs. Jan McLaughlin as
well.
Mrs. McLaughlin has been, and will remain, a part of
me. Though she will no longer be a physical presence,
I will see and hear her every day in all I do in the
classroom, in everything I teach and in each student
who thanks me.
Jan, I pray God grants you much deserved rest. I pray
you continue to laugh. I pray you never forget how
much you have enhanced and blessed not only my life,
but the lives of so many others.