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The Power of Response: Letter From a Longtime Mentor

3/16/2016

11 Comments

 
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​I am not in the habit of keeping many letters and cards. Somewhere in a box in the basement are some cards and letters Allan sent me the summer before we were engaged. Love letters, the best kind. I also have some cards and notes given to me by my kids when they were in various stages of learning how to write. (This collection includes the obligatory letter to parents from my son when he was at Boy Scout camp.) On a shelf in my office I have a few notes from parents of students I taught, and one very special one from my longtime mentor, Regie Routman. Yesterday I was lucky enough to place a second letter from Regie right next to the first.
 
I met Regie in 2005 at a conference I was helping to organize. I was awestruck! I couldn’t believe I was having lunch with such an authority on reading and writing who had taught me so much! At the end of the day I didn’t want the conversation to end – I had so many more questions and there was so much more for me to learn from her. Regie suggested I write her a letter, and she handed me her card. Over the course of the years our paths crossed a few times at conferences where I was presenting. Even though she must meet hundreds of people every year, Regie always made me feel special.
 
A few weeks ago I happened upon a blog post written by Regie that included a video of her working with students. Watching her in that video brought about a sudden realization of all she had done for me. I could see myself in her words and actions. I was reminded that I approach the teaching of reading and writing and the delivery of professional development like I do because of her. I have had many mentors, especially in the area of writing, but I think Regie has influenced me the most.
 
I knew immediately that I wanted to write to her and express my thanks. I didn’t know if the letter would even reach her! After all, the address I had was more than ten years old. Still, I wrote. The moment I saw the envelope from her in the pile of mail I gathered yesterday, I was filled once again with the awe I felt at our first meeting.
 
The power of response..and mentors.

11 Comments
Lynn
3/16/2016 07:21:18 am

What a great gift Regie gave you! How lovely she was able to receive your letter!

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Catherine link
3/16/2016 07:33:13 am

I'm always a little star-struck when I meet educators and authors who I admire. How wonderful for you to have those special letters from Regie. She is a stellar role model!

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Elsie
3/16/2016 09:41:44 am

There some letters we treasure for the very reasons you shared. I have been a huge fan of Regie Routman since I discovered her book Transitions many years ago.

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lynne dorfman link
3/16/2016 10:04:29 am

Oh, Rosie! This is so great that Regie wrote to you again. Remember when we got to ride to the airport with Regie from a CCIRA Conference? I am sure she loved receiving a letter. It is so different from getting an email!

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Deborah link
3/16/2016 12:09:53 pm

I have always wanted a real life mentor. I have always admired Georgia Heard. I can't imagine knowing her or getting a letter from her. How lucky you are!

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arjeha link
3/16/2016 12:58:03 pm

This is wonderful, Rose. What a thrill for you. We tend to forget that famous people were just people first. Letters are so much nicer to receive than an email.

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Aileen Hower link
3/16/2016 01:37:14 pm

I spoke about my mentor today and immediately became "overwhelmed" in a good way, for all she has done for me: seeing in me what I didn't always see in myself. What a wonderful mentor for you and so great that you are able to keep corresponding.

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Karen Szymusiak link
3/16/2016 02:12:48 pm

How wonderful! Our mentors are like giants in many ways. But moments like this keep them close to our hearts.

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Diane Dougherty link
3/16/2016 05:20:10 pm

Rose, it's absolutely true that all of us need mentors. Thanks for this post. I love how you express how much Regie has meant to you. She is a mentor for many of us!

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Rita Kenefic link
3/16/2016 05:32:41 pm

Wow! I could feel your excitement. You never forget when someone takes you by the hand and leads you where you want to go. Even though I never met her, Nancy Atwell was the author that opened the door and let me to pursue a degree in Reading. So happy for you, Rose.

Reply
Clare link
3/16/2016 05:54:57 pm

Mentors are the best - I feel so lucky to have so many in my life! I think that is a great part of our profession. So nice you both chose to write an "old fashioned" snail mail letter.
Clare

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