08/13/2020
This is an adaptation of a letter from a teacher to her students. The timing couldn’t be more appropriate. Have an amazing band camp girls! I’m so proud of all we’ve accomplished together. Be strong and always remember “the fire inside you burns brighter than the fire around you!”
Dear Twirlers,
Here’s what I want you to know. Every year, watching you graduate gets harder and harder. Every year, I cry about last year’s graduates that I miss, this year’s graduates that I will miss, and next year’s seniors that I’m not ready to lose yet. I’m lucky: I’m a coach, so I get a lot of my kids for several years and work with many of you very closely.
My hope is that you know, that you remember what I hope I tell you enough: that once one of mine, always one of mine.
Once you become one of my kids, which happens faster than you probably realize, you always will be.
Once I’ve told you to drink more water, that I know you can do better, that I am proud of you, that everything’s going to be fine, or ask you “if you’re lying to me”, I am fully prepared to say those things to you forever if you need me to. Once I’ve celebrated A’s, new jobs, driver’s licenses, new pets, great performances and new skills, I’d love to keep hearing about the celebrations. I want to see silly memes, hear about school or jobs, offer advice or a shoulder to cry on, give you a hug, go to your weddings. I don’t stop loving you just because we don’t see each other every day.
I was your coach. I am navigating what place, if any, I have in your life now that I’m no longer your coach. I do not wish to insert myself where I’m not needed. You will meet other people, other coaches, other mentors. Most of you have family and friends to support you. That is exactly how life should be. But, please remember, if you ever need or want me, I’m here to celebrate, to mourn, to lecture, to help in whatever way I can. I don’t care how long ago we worked together. I don’t care if it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other. Reach out if you need me.
I don’t stop worrying about you or caring about you. Once my student, always my student.