Mrs. Patterson's Farewell Address, Or, An Open Letter to World History Students

Mary Patterson was a high school history teacher for the last seven years. Today is her last day of school for reals and here is what she had to say about it.

Dear scholars,

Next year, in US history (also known as propaganda), you’ll learn about one of my historical crushes, George Washington, the reluctant leader to whom we largely owe our country’s existence. You will learn that when he left office, he published a “farewell address” as his parting words of wisdom to the new country.  Since I am leaving you at the end of this year, I too shall give you some words of “wisdom”, although unlike George Washington’s wisdom, mine is not ghost-written by Alexander Hamilton. 

Or is it?

Look up ghost-writer if you don’t know what that means.

Advice 1: Watch the company you keep and the crowd you bring.

This gem comes from Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, aka Nas. Surround yourself with good people. This is important. If you hang with turkeys, then chances are you’ll be one, too.

Advice 2: You will get out of it what you put into it.

This is true for most things in life. Approach your classes for the LEARNING and the KNOWLEDGE and the grades will follow. Don’t constantly rely on that retake policy. You don’t get that in college. You don’t get that for most things in life.

Advice 3: Watch your phone addiction.

It really is an addiction. Put it down (after you google the similarities between having a drug addiction and a social media addiction in your brain. It’s true. It’s science). I know it’s hard, and adults (like me!) are guilty of it too. But really, put it down. Pay attention. Try to be present in class or in a conversation.

Advice 4: When it drops, get a copy of Fiza’s mix tape.

Have you heard this girl? She’s hysterical.

Advice 5: Things are crappy, but be hopeful.

Adults both past and present have made a mess of the world, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept that mess when it’s your turn. Be informed, pay attention, demand better. Remember there are always two sides (or more) to every story. Ask questions. I’ve seen your science fair projects and read your papers—there is goodness and smartness and hard work out there.

I leave you with two quotes, one from an anonymous World History student and another from the poem “Invictus” (you know, that poem. From that movie. About that guy. Mandela):

“Importantness” is not preordained. Anyone can make a difference if they choose to.

I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.

Good Luck!

xoxo,

Mrs. P