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Dear Families of Margaret Twittey,
My sincere condolences to you all for your loss. I am sorry that I did not contact Marg years ago but I thought about how her words became 'engraved' on my heart when I was 20 years old. I am now 58.
I was ready to do a UBC Master's Degree in 2005-2007 and not before then. During that time, one of my UBC Grad advisors had us do much creative writing in this class. I wrote alot about growing up in Calgary, my identity, my learning journey from K-12 and and my love of French that I would help me define myself as a 'francophile' which led me into the realm of teaching it. I wrote about how God had used His potter's hands and chisled me into this vocation of teaching...but I did not know that back in 1980. However, looking back, I specifically talked about persons who influenced me...one of them was Marg.
I was priviliged to have met Marg who was my Sponsor Teacher the Spring of 1980. I was 20 years old and a U. of Calgary student in my teaching practicum year. Marg had a hearty laugh, an exuberant energy, and loved her students and teaching. I learned immediately that Marg was a no-nonsence kind of confident person who was very organized, loved music and she was very pleased that I would teach FSL. I couldn't wait to teach French as a Second Language; a subject in which I felt most confident. However, teaching a Grade 4-5 split class in those days meant that I taught 'all subjects', not just the ones I loved.
Marg provided me with all the essential materials and resources. She spoke of her students and their learning needs but back then it was a class of self-regulated students who loved school. I wrote copious notes and my worries, anxieties and insecurities abounded, probably because I was so scared. However, with her gentle but firm guidance Marg kept reassuring me that I would be ok as she tried to calm my fears. I told her that I couldn't wait to 'shadow her around the class on my second visit'. Marg assured me that there would be no shadowing. I began to cry profusely. Marg listened patiently and reached to hug me. I barely knew her. She then firmly said: 'You're going to be a fantastic teacher. I know that already but you have to get your toes wet. You want this so badly but you're going to have to put in both feet, not just your toes". Her words seemed very tough at the time and I was embarassed...Well, the second time I was on my own in front of all the students. Marg told me that she would never be 'far away' if I needed help. During my practicum we laughed alot together, had serious conversations and lots of important feedback and I was very grateful to have met her.
Thank you, Marg, for walking with me back then and helping me to build resilience right from the get go for those first 6 weeks of student teaching. I am in year 30 now of teaching: San Diego, Calgary, Richmond and Vancouver. Thank you for having made a difference in my life and keeping me on God's path. May you rest in peace with Him. I will never forget the merriment in your dancing eyes and hearty laugh.