Most of us have stories of teachers, in formal or informal schooling, who saw our potential, encouraged us, or were just there when we needed someone most. We curated stories from Harpswell staff, Board of Trustees, and alumnae about teachers who have had a significant impact on their lives.

There is no single word to describe my appreciation and gratitude to all my teachers who provide me with knowledge and skills since my childhood until I’ve become who I am today. Among the numerous teachers, allow me to highlight Fr. John K. Bingham, SJ who taught me how to speak, read and write English for ten years during the post-Khmer Rouge. In a barbed-wired camp where freedom of movement was restricted and access to information was limited, Fr. John not only taught me English, but also brought me up to date on the world happenings. He made all the efforts with the purpose to prepare me and the class to participate in Cambodia’s rehabilitation.   I was so touched early this year when I found one of his letters written on January 4, 1989 to Chicago Tribune Reporter William Mullen, which says “ ….This girl has terrific spirit, personality, teaching ability of an extraordinary kind, a great dignity and amazingly enough along with these qualities an extraordinary humility or truthfulness about her. She is a great aspiration. I don’t want to see her leave for the 3rd country.  Neither I nor any of the volunteers or Khmers that know her want to see her leave.  Without her around the sky will look less blue.  She is truly a prize.  Frankly, I hope she and other leaders choose to return to Cambodia, especially her.  Her kind is deeply needed there… .”Moul SamneangCountry Director

I grew up in Memphis TN, and, from the age of 6 to 16, I took piano lessons from a wonderful woman named Mildred Allen. Ms. Allen had three pianos in her house. For recitals, all of her students got to perform on her grand piano. I was once trying to master a difficult piece, and Ms. Allen had me pause after several botched attempts and listen to a recording of the piece by the great pianist van Cliburn. Listening to his masterful performance, I was crestfallen. Then Ms. Allen said to me: “That short passage from the third bar down to the seventh bar, you played perfectly, like van Cliburn.” That bit of encouragement inspired me to persist in my efforts, not only with the piano but in everything I did in later life. Dr. Alan Lightman Chair, Board of Trustees

When I was doing my Bachelor’s degree in English translation, I had a class called ‘Listen and Talk’. We had to write essays and present them in the class. At that time, my English was at the Elementary level and I wrote a very simple essay. My lecturer was a lady who could speak English fluently. After I presented in a shaky, nervous voice, she gave me the best comments I could ever receive. Yes! I was on top of the world! Many years later, I found that piece of essay among my old files and to my surprise, I noticed that my essay was not good at all and I had some mistakes here and there! It suddenly dawned on me that my lecturer did not highlight my mistakes because she had seen my struggles and enthusiasm at the same time. She knew that one day I would get over my mistakes. Instead, she gave me the confidence to move on. I am always grateful to her wherever she is! Dr. Leila Mohajer Senior Administrator, Harpswell ASEAN Program in Women’s Leadership

There was one memorable moment where I could not decide whether I should continue to study in secondary school or not because I couldn’t afford a bike. (The secondary school was not within a walking proximity.) My sixth grade teacher, Say Thina, knew my plan and stopped me from dropping out of school. He talked to the parents of my close friend, Sothy, to allow me to ride bicycle with her while going to secondary school hoping that I might be able to have my own bike in the future. The arrangement made it possible for me to continue. Just as he hoped, my family was able to buy me a bicycle after three months. Without his detailed attention to students, I would have ended up dropping out of school after grade six. Suon Raksmey ‘10 Program and Dorm Manager

The following are messages from teachers who made a difference in the lives of Harpswell alumnae.

Happy Teacher Day! I am Happy to be a teacher, although this job is not make me become a millionaire. I do my best to teach my students. I believe that my students can become human resource that can develop our country in the future. I think that education can improve their thinking especially the women. I Love my job and I love my teachers also. - Ms. Van Kimry, Physics Teacher, Bakong High School, Seim Reap Province Khan Sophy ‘10 Alumnae Support and Special Projects Officer

My parents really love teaching careers and I am also adopted. I want to see young generations in my community have a good chance to access better education. With this career I meet many different barriers but what makes me more difficult is the dropout of students, especially female students. To deeply understand the root cause of this problem I was spending my own time to meet with female student parents. Being a teacher has changed me a lot, especially my thoughts and actions. A teaching career is not just about earning money and living, it is also a part to build human resources for my community. From my heart, I want to see my students grow up with a bright future. “I am proud to be a teacher! I love my job!” - Ms. Chum Thany, Physic teacher, Brotheat High School, Kampong Trabek DistrictOul Salav ‘19