Meeting Ms. Weber

I was Daniel's elementary school teacher for four years. He is currently in high school and wrote the following essay when he was in eighth grade. — Meg

Personal Expository / Childhood Memory

When I was six years old living in Sonoma, I enjoyed a carefree life. My school days consisted mostly of playing with sticks and sand and sloshing through rain puddles. It was spring, and kindergarten was ending soon. After summer, I would be a first grader far away at an entirely different school.

To prepare for the upcoming school year, my mom made arrangements to meet the person who would be my first grade teacher and my inspiration for the next four years. As my mom and I were driving from Sonoma to San Rafael on Highway 37, we were discussing my new school and my new teacher. While Mom was describing Ms. Weber, she said, “She's an adult, but she's your size.” I was curious and confused. “How could she be an adult and a teacher if she is not much bigger than me?” I wondered. In the midst of my mom's explanation, I burst out, “Well, can she drive a car?” “Yes, I think so,” my mom replied, “but we can ask her when we see her.”

We arrived at the school and checked in at the office. From there we walked through the breezeway to a separate building near a fenced, flourishing garden. We climbed a few steps, crossed the porch, and walked inside the school library. The room was dark and very quiet. As the door latched behind us, my eyes focused on a small figure moving from behind a large table at the back of the room. She stood before me and extended her hand, saying, “Hello. You must be Daniel. I am Ms. Weber.” It was then that I understood what my mom was trying to tell me.

As we greeted one another, I realized Ms. Weber's warm, soft hand was not much bigger than mine. Her blue eyes, framed by dark blonde bangs, were nearly level with my eyes. She wore a blue patterned dress that hung just above her ankle socks and white tennis shoes. My mom bent down to meet Ms. Weber face to face and introduced herself. She then left the library. After a few moments, Ms. Weber and I also left the library to tour the campus. Walking shoulder to shoulder, we passed a grove of enormous oak trees and the sports field before stopping at a small, wooden play structure. I played for a few moments while Ms. Weber watched. She asked me questions about my life in Sonoma and my favorite things. I had a lot of questions about her too but was afraid to ask. As if reading my mind, Ms. Weber said, “Do you want to see my car?” With eyes wide, I nodded silently.

Ms. Weber led me to a blue car in the parking lot. It looked like any other car from the outside, but inside was an extra set of pedals that extended from near the floor to just below the steering wheel. “These help me control the car and can be taken off and put on another car,” Ms. Weber said. I was fascinated but speechless. It was then time to leave. Ms. Weber shook my hand while looking deep into my eyes and said, “Lovely meeting you Daniel. I look forward to seeing you next fall.”

Fall came quickly, and first grade was not nearly as carefree as kindergarten. Despite some challenges, Ms. Weber and I came to love and appreciate one another over the next four years. I was heartbroken when I learned that Ms. Weber would be moving to Portland. Although she is far away, she is always in my heart and continues to inspire me to face my challenges and rise above them.