Yhem Speaks

Sometimes, I forget that the things I do. Things like the classes I taught, the kids I encouraged, the little moments I never thought twice about and guess what, those moments still live in someone’s memory. A message from a former student reminded me that impact whispers years later. I realized… I mattered more than I knew.

This week was fairly ordinary until I received a message from one of my former students. She’s the type of student who lingers in your heart long after you’ve moved on from the classroom, the country, and everything else. Every Teachers’ Day, without exception, she reaches out, and this year she included a voice note. Despite not having seen her since she was in 5th grade, she still remembers me. Honestly, that gesture alone was enough to brighten my entire week.

Sometimes, I forget how long I’ve been teaching. I forget the classrooms I’ve walked into, the small hands that used to tug at my sleeve, the jokes, the chaos, and the tiny victories that made each day worth it. Life moves on, routines change, and you assume those moments have dissolved into the background of someone else’s memory.

Then, a message like hers shows up.

Not overwhelming. Not theatrical. Just a reminder that out there, someone holds on to a part of a moment the two of you experienced together, a moment you may not remember as distinctly as they do.

It made me pause and acknowledge something I often overlook:

“I am important. My presence makes a difference, even in subtle ways. Even after I’ve moved forward. Even if I believe no one sees it”.

We like to imagine that impact has to be big, impressive, or life-changing. But most of the time, it’s not. It’s a soft word you forgot you said. A gentle correction. A small encouragement. A smile at the right time. Something so simple you don’t even count it as “effort.”

Yet someone else carries it for years.

Her message also made me realize that we do not move through life without being seen. We leave marks in schools, jobs, churches, communities, relationships, and even in locations we’ve long since departed. We impact others in ways we may never fully comprehend which its what gives it its allure.

Somewhere out there, someone fondly remembers your kindness.
Someone reflects on your patience.
Someone appreciates how you made them feel; safe, recognized, valued, and empowered.

I know I talk about my students a lot these days, I can’t help it because experiences like this fill me with gratitude for my profession, for the students I’ve encountered, and for the unexpected, remarkable way life allows people to reenter our lives. Honestly, that reminder was exactly what my November required to finish on a high note.

With Stories Always,

Yhem💞