25 Years Later: A Time to Reflect, Remember, and Reconnect
I am honored to serve on the board of Marin Primary & Middle School. Serving on the board of a non-profit organization is deeply fulfilling—it brings together a dedicated collective focused on one primary goal: to better serve students. In my view, there is no higher purpose.
One of our first responsibilities as board members was attending the "Welcome Back to School" event. We gathered at the welcome table to greet families, hand out name tags, and pass out sheriff stickers and bandanas for the kids (the theme was Western!). It gave us a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community amidst a corral of smiles and positive energy.
As I stood behind the table, a mother approached, called my name, and beamed a warm smile. She was there with her husband and two adorable children. “It’s me, Nicole. You were my teacher!” she said. My heart skipped a beat—Nicole had been in my very first class at Head-Royce School 25 years ago. She introduced me to her family and shared that her oldest son was starting preschool at MP & MS this year. She had seen my name on the roster and was hoping we’d run into each other.
As we began reminiscing, Nicole paused and said, “You know, I was thinking about you just last week.” We both knew what she meant. With the anniversary of 9/11 approaching, the memories of that period resurfaced. For anyone who lived through that tragic day, the memory leaves an indelible mark that never truly fades.
Nicole and I shared a look, instantly transported back to that third week of school 25 years ago. I was a brand-new teacher, she was a 4th grader, and together we navigated an unprecedented tragedy.
I vividly recall sitting in a circle on the rug with my young students, listening as they shared what little they understood while I tried to offer gentle context. I remember the palpable anxiety in the room, including one student whose father was flying back from the East Coast that morning and hadn't yet checked in. Helping elementary school children process such immense fear and confusion remains one of the most challenging moments of my career.
Looking at Nicole all these years later, the weight of those shared memories shifted into a moment of profound gratitude. We exchanged another warm hug before she rejoined her family.
Life comes full circle in the most unexpected ways: the 4th grader I once tried to comfort and guide is now a wonderful mother raising her own child in a similar supportive educational community. It was a poignant reminder of why we teach, why we serve, and how the bonds we forge in hard times endure across decades.