Remembering My Girl Crushes

Have you ever experienced a “girl crush” on a teacher you admired? As I celebrate the 60 women who helped me to 60, this blog honors two of my teachers—my “girl crushes.”

My first crush was my 8^th grade teacher at Anderson Elementary School, Mrs. Hamilton. I think her full name was Maureen Hamilton, but I knew her only as Mrs. Hamilton or “teacher.” Mrs. Hamilton was tall, thin and wore a cool shag haircut and great wedge shoes. I was the chubby, lonely, awkward new girl. Eighth grade can be a tough age for many girls—for me it was the year I suddenly had to carry a purse one week a month.

Mrs. Hamilton was not only pretty and cool, but she was also kind. She ate her healthy lunch of carrot and celery sticks at her desk and welcomed her students to eat lunch in the classroom too. That made it a safe space for me. She also was passionate about the daily pledge of allegiance. She often got teary while reciting the pledge, explaining that members of her family served in the military. She taught me to treat the pledge with the same reverence—and I still do today.

In eighth grade, we explored careers. I thought I might like to be a reporter, a travel agent, or a florist. I am unsure where “florist” came from! Tony and I did end up spending our life together traveling and I did become a journalist. I credit Mrs. Hamilton with the start of that journey.

My love of journalism continued at Anderson Union High School with my second teacher “girl crush.” Connie Chrysler was my Spanish and Journalism teacher. She was young and fun—at the time I had no idea just how young! Mrs. Chrysler celebrated her 70^th birthday earlier this year, making her exactly 10 years older than me.

Mrs. Chrysler was a dedicated, enthusiastic teacher who worked at our small local paper the summer before she began teaching journalism. This was in the days of no computers. We used light tables, exacto knives, and rubber cement. Under Mrs. C’s leadership, our newspaper (and several of its reporters) won awards. Working on the High Views was a highlight of my high school years.

Mrs. Chrysler took her students on adventures, which was especially important because many in our little town rarely traveled anywhere (including me!). She took the Spanish Club to Lake Almanor for a weekend, bravely took the Journalism class to San Francisco, and even took a group cross country skiing. I had never been before. I have a memory of knocking her down in the snow after sliding into her. I was not a natural ski bunny (surprise!!). My walk down memory lane led me to contact Mrs. Chrysler to let her know what she meant to me. We shared messages via Facebook and reminisced about those long-ago years. Her memory of the skiing trip was that she had never cross country skied before either and made the mistake of wearing brand new jeans that left the snow blue on her frequent falls.

I had other terrific teachers, but most of them are “teacher blurs.” I remember things they said or things that happened in their classrooms, but I don’t clearly remember THEM. If you have someone who impacted your life in a positive way, I strongly encourage you to tell them. I believe we should “eulogize” people while they are still breathing and can appreciate our words. It feels good to spread genuine compliments.

But, Wait!! There’s More…

I had planned to blog more frequently this year, but life threw me a curveball. My new hip I got in January this year is already breaking up with me. Next week I will have it removed while my doctors work to cure the infection I have had for four months. Once cured, I will get a new hip. This medical saga has curtailed the plans Tony and I had for this year, but it has offered lessons too—including not to take one day for granted. I wish you health and happiness. I will join you on the dance floor soon!

PS Taking these goofy photos with an old copy of High Views made me smile, gave me another opportunity to wear my tiara, and reminded me that I am a bit of a hoarder!