Who’s that one teacher you’ll never forget—remember them? The one who made you laugh, believed in you, or showed you kindness when you needed it most?
This heartwarming true story celebrates the lasting impact of a teacher’s kindness - and how our small gestures of encouragement can shape a life for years to come.
Life Lessons & Key Themes From This Story
- A kind word or gesture from a teacher, mentor or elder can take root in young hearts, shaping who we become and how we live.
- We influence others in ways we may never realise – The way we show up each day can leave lasting impressions that stretch far beyond the moment.
- The stories we carry from childhood shape the way we show up in the world - and when we choose to reflect and retell them, simple moments become powerful messages.
- Joy is a steady choice, even in uncertainty – How we respond to fear or change can shape what comes next.
- Gratitude turns moments into meaning – Reflecting on those who helped us brings richness to our lives.
📍 From USA: A touching story adding to our global collection of inspiring real-life narratives.
Walking into school on the first day of fifth grade, my legs felt weak and my hands were shaking. I was so nervous I could feel my heart beating rapidly in my chest.
I was always anxious on the first day of school. But this was my last first day of elementary school, and I had never had a male teacher before.
Somehow, I knew this school year would be different, but I had no idea the lifelong impact it would have on me.
Tony Harrison quickly soothed my uneasiness with his friendly welcome and a big smile on his face. “Welcome to fifth grade! Take any seat,” he said.
Mr. H, he preferred to be called, was young, energetic and exuded happiness with his smiling face and cheerful voice. I chose a seat near the front of the classroom. My mom always told me sitting in the back encouraged trouble, besides I was also nearsighted.
A New Teacher. A New Feeling
Mr. H was an encouraging teacher and he made learning exciting with his fun ideas and positive attitude. I had always loved school, but somehow Mr. H made school even better. It did not matter if you were the best or worst student in the class, he made you feel special.
I remember the day Mr. H announced, “Everyone, we have new students joining the class.” He was holding a cage with three tiny gerbils.
Everyone shrieked with delight. I guess we startled the new students, but we were thrilled to have these new classmates.
Smiley faces were his trademark. He always put a smiley face on the chalkboard, homework assignments and test papers. When he signed my yearbook, he added a smiley face. I am sure he did the same in everyone's book.
At the end of the school year, Mr. H gave each student a yellow, enamel pin-on smiley face. Years later, when I saw my first smiley face emoji, I immediately thought of Mr. H.
That's me in fifth grade!
The Night the School Caught Fire
One cold evening, I was at home watching TV with my family when suddenly fire truck sirens could be heard in the distance.
We lived in a small rural town and it did not take long for a friend to call with the breaking news. Our elementary school was on fire. This qualified for major excitement for our normally sleepy town. My mind started racing. Could Mr. H be in the school? What about our class gerbils? Where would we go to school?
Apparently, my mom and dad were curious too. We all loaded into the car and headed toward the school. We were near the school when we first glimpsed huge, red flames dancing in the sky. I was scared looking at those red, angry blazes.
It did not take long for a friend to call with the breaking news. Our elementary school was on fire.
Finding Gratitude in the Flames
From the front of the car, my dad said, “It is the school gym, not the school.” We all breathed a little easier. Replacing an old, wooden gym would be easier than replacing our nice, newer brick school building. A volunteer fireman came over to the car and told us no one was in the gym and the fire was contained, but we needed to leave the area. We were all relieved.
Once we returned back to school and class, Mr. H reassured us. He told us a nice, new gym would be built and he reminded us to be grateful and look at the positive side of the fire. There were no injuries or lives lost in the fire and the building could be replaced. I agreed and immediately started looking forward to playing basketball and roller skating in the new gym.
Carrying His Smileys Into the World
I recognized Mr. H’s influence on me when I started my first job in high school.
Even as a part-time employee working in the mailroom, I had the ability to affect others and their day.
Every day I delivered the mail to all the departments in the office and I enjoyed greeting and smiling at everyone. Billy, the shipping manager, started calling me “Smiley” when I delivered mail to his area. It made me laugh, but I secretly liked it, and took it as a compliment.
Several years ago, I started writing letters to two homebound senior ladies through an organization called Mending the Gap. These ladies are my pen pals and my goal is to brighten their day when they receive my letters and cards. In most of the letters and cards, I remember to include a hand drawn smiley face.
Mr. H went on to become the elementary school counselor and a Sunday School teacher at his church.
My husband and I started attending the same church as Mr. H and were fortunate to have him and his wife as our Sunday School teachers for many years.
Mr. H taught many students and adults during his lifetime. His cheerful outlook and kindness left a positive impact on me and countless others.
Meet Lynn Hannah
Lynn Hannah is a freelance writer from Georgia. She was formerly employed as a supply chain manager with a Fortune Global 500 company. She is now following her lifelong dream to write.
She was born and raised in north Georgia where she still lives. Lynn enjoys reading, hiking, volunteering and spending time with her family.
Want to connect with Lynn? Leave a comment below—she’d love to hear your thoughts on her story!
