Little Reminders

I'm a mom. I watch kids, chauffeur them around, break up fights, cook for them, feed them, bathe them, clean up after them, read to them, teach them, love them, yell at them, soothe them. Repeat. I've had this job for 5 1/2 years, so I've kind of forgotten about the other roles I used to play. Today I had a little reminder, and it was thrilling and inspiring.

My Bachelor's degree is in English Education. It's been a while, and I know I've forgotten some grammar rules, and I am not in the habit of pumping out 10-page papers every day, so don't judge me on my writing here. But I was a pretty good student--I earned a scholarship from BYU-Idaho for my grades (I know many of you who read this were in my classes or worked with me and also got scholarships, so I feel silly bragging, but it's fun to remember and feel smart). I even had some papers published. I was busy--usually taking 21 credits with 3 or 4 English classes at a time and working 20 hours a week. 

I took my last English class over 6 years ago. Now I have a brother and sister who are attending BYU-Idaho. Today my brother, Dennis, called and asked if I ever had teacher so-and-so and did I take a certain class from him. At first I was like, "I don't think so. It's been a long time." He said the teacher's name again and started describing what he looked like and the class he taught. "OK, yeah, I think I know who you are talking about, why?" Dennis then explained that they have an assignment in their class and today his professor handed out an example to the students. Dennis looked at it and saw the name on it was "Jennifer McGregor." Apparently we had to give credentials and contact information because on the back of the the assignment there was information about me, including the fact that I had taught children in China for two semesters! It also listed my college email address. It was definitely mine!! (I got 100%) Dennis talked to his teacher after class and informed him that I was his sister. The teacher was surprised and asked how long ago I had taken his class. I think it's been 7 years! So for 7 years, 3 semesters per year, my paper has been handed around as an example for at least 21 different classes (who knows how many classes he has each semester?)! 

Lesson? We never know how we will affect others. I hope my example has been helpful to those who have used it as their guide. I wonder how many other papers of mine are floating around BYU-Idaho? I feel flattered and reprimanded at the same time. I'm busy and have new priorities, but there's no excuse for letting my talents rot. I once felt like I could take on the world, talk to anyone,  and accomplish anything. I have forgotten the exhilaration of analyzing a piece of literature and writing pages of carefully selected words in a matter of hours. Most of the writing I do is on this blog! Maybe I don't have the time or desire to analyze stories, but I could write anecdotes about my family for my children. Why do I let motherhood and housewifery be an excuse to stop growing as an individual? I am taking some classes to keep my teaching certificate current, so I have been forced to write better and more often.  Anyway, this little story has made my day and inspired me to get writing. Thanks, Dennis!