Since moving to New Westminster, I've had passing thoughts of my Grade 5 teacher, Ms. Gropp. During class, she frequently mentioned that she lives right here. In New West.
I've thought of reconnecting with her, but never had the courage, thinking I'd be crossing boundaries. That maybe she wouldn't want to be bothered. I even had thoughts that she may not be with us anymore as she was in her 50's back when I was in Grade 5.
My girlfriend who I work with in one of the policing units gave me the final push tonight.
She said, "It's worse to live with the regret of not reaching out. Plus, I bet she'd be over the moon to hear from you and to have you tell her what an important influence she was in your life."
Ms. Gropp was a real dragon lady. I remember her giving shit to one of the boys in class for calling me 'hopeless'. "WHO SAID THAT? WHO SAID CLARA IS HOPELESS?? I TELL ALL YOU GUYS, SHE SMARTER THAN ALL OF YOU. YOU GOT NOTHING GOOD TO SAY, THEN GET OUT OF MY CLASS!!
For all those reading this from East Van, this lady, was a REAL East Van teacher. Attitude and all. She was in her 50's back then. Took no shit from no one. I learned from the best and she was a real source of inspiration.
I made a facebook search tonight and the profile looks like it could be her. Here's my message to my Grade 5 teacher:
Is this Ms. Gropp?
I'm not sure if I have the right person, but I thought i'd give it a shot.
I'm Clara and you were my Grade 5 teacher at Renfrew Elementary School. I had a music teacher named Ms. Westrom too. I was part of the school singing group too.
I wanted to reach out to you, one of the early teachers who made a positive and caring contribution to my life. You were aware that I came from a challenging family dynamic and I remembered you finding me crying by a window when school was just about to let out for Summer.
I wanted to you know that I'm doing okay now and life has been rewarding both emotionally and financially for me. I am a high school counselor now and work as a flight attendant during the Summer.
I'f i've got the right Ms. Gropp, I'd love to hear from you and hear how you are doing. :)
