Email from ex-student..wow

[Nicole_P]

I have gotten a few emails since the 'news' of the 'new' teacher (me) has spread around the community I teach in. This one got to me-

Ms.Kxxxx

I'm a former student of yours (which you may easily recognize by my email!). I saw today your Livejournal board, and just wanted to say you're a big inspiration to me, to be able to come out during transition and teach in a school full of kids where they're at the age to most likely be rude and not understanding. The reason I bring this up is because I am in the same position as you (surprise, right?..funny how it always is), and I plan on beginning my transition before my 20th birthday next summer. If you have any tips for me, I'd love to hear them. If you have nothing to say, that's ok too. Anything in between is welcome.

Thank you
XXXXX xxxxx (new female name)

This student just graduated this last June...S(he)was a very quiet student in class, and no, I never would have guessed...
Such an interesting world we live in...

Nicole

[Karen564]

Yes, it is amazing..

And nice to see your getting such positive feedback about your news to transition.!!

I do envy & applaud any younger person that can make that decision to transition during their prime years so they can live most of their life at peace with themselves & enjoy life to the fullest with all the rewards of doing so at an early age..

Kids today have so much more information at their disposal via the Internet that they can learn about Anything, even things that were considered taboo during my youth..
When I was 20 (back in 1980) we had no Internet or PC's.. and I had thought for years before that I was just some freak wondering why I didn't feel I was born the correct sex or have right body for the way I felt in my mind, then I got some reading material about it after Renee Richards made headlines by having a sex change, wondering to myself like , Wow!!, there's others like me??? and it's actually possible to change your sex?? then I found more info about others...not so easy without the information highway we now have today in every home at our fingertips..
But even then, I thought I could beat this thing, and shake all those feelings away, figuring it would go away in time....I never imagined that it would just get worse...and then unbearable to live with..

I only wish I had all this info when I was in my teens, but think it's great the younger generations have this info today so they can make an informed choice on what they are or need to be without suffering for many years as I did..

[robyn1114]

That's awesome Nicole, glad to hear you're getting so much support. I'm guessing you teach high school.

[deja true]

Gee! That was nice...

I've gotta feeling that you're gonna run into a bit more of that when school starts and everything calms down after a few weeks. Maybe you should consult with the principal and/or school counselor on how to go about dealing with that when it comes up!

Does your school have a student LGBT organization?

Just a thought!

:)

[TxKimberly]

You knowm there is just something neat about that! :-)

[Veronica_Jean]

Nicole,

Reading your post gave me chills and made me laugh!

It also proves one of the things I have thought and felt for years, which is when we are honest and genuine we get respect from everyone. Even if they hate us. And you never know who is going through what we did at a young age and can gain strength from our actions.

I think you are a hero, especially to a particular student.

:love:

Veronica

[Kaitlyn Michele]

That really deserves a WOW

That's very inspiring for all of us

[Nicole_P]

Hi Gals-
This one came on the same day- I had this student 2 years ago- he also just graduated in June- he may have been in the same class as the other student~

Hello, Gxxxx Sxxxxx here, I don't know if you check this during the summer but I had sometime I wanted so say. I dont exactly know how to form this into an articulate piece of mail so I will just come out and say it. I am very happy for you Ms. Kxxxx. Since I have heard about your operation and reading your blogs I have heard these ignorant Wxxx Lxxx kids who eat, sleep and breath off money that there parents work for talk negatively about it, and more specifically, they let it bother them. I for some reason don't understand this, and getting into debates with these morons has lead me to be bothered by how they feel! What a crazy negative cycle! I just wanted to say that I'm happy for you, and proud that you had the guts to do what you wanted, even if it is in a fashion that many people don't understand. I will always be your biggest supporter among these kids and I try to help them see that A) its none of their business really and B) you've shown great courage in having your operation to be the person you want to be. If I have offended you at all I'm very sorry and that is not my intention, I know you will face ass holes next year and I hope and know that you wont let them bother you. Like I said, I'm not very good at writing out my words so I hope this letter isn't taken by you as hate mail or anything. Looking forward to hearing from you, but if I don't, I will come visit next year(well about a month really).

Sincerely,

Gxxxx Sxxxxx

[MichelleP]

Nicole,

You should feel very pleased that your courage and spirit has inspired someone else, especially one of your students. This is perhaps one of the greatest things a teacher can hope for, leading by example.

Michelle

[Miranda09]

2 very interesting emails from some very mature students of yours. It's nice to see there are still some open minded individuals out there. Thanks for sharing Nicole. :)

[LisaM]

Nicole,

What a wonderful story! I have always dreamt of being a role model to someone and you have really succeeded.

[Sheila]

2 great emails hun, here is hoping you get loads more :)

[Terri Andrews]

The letters that you have received are great ,I truly admire your courage and dedication to live your life as the Woman you are .

[Kimberly Marie Kelly]

It's great to know if you are yourself that you can help others without even knowing it. Kim :battingeyelashes:

[Jennifer Marie P.]

Looks like youre getting some support from your ex students and that is an insperation to all of us.

[pamela_a]

Nicole, IMO you have now become a teacher of one of the most difficult subjects... Life.

If nothing else, your example is teaching these young people to be true to themselves and follow their dreams.

Thank you so much for sharing these with us.

-Pam-

[Nicole_P]

You gals are just awesome- you truly humble me. You just never know how you affect others...You are all a blessing to me as well!

:love:
Nicole

[Diane24]

Nicole,
It is amazing how small the world really is! Several of the students I have had have transitioned after graduating high school. I'm sure there might be more I haven't heard about. Being a stealth post-op I haven't heard from them as you have. It's always wonderful to hear positive comments from former students. You are very fortunate to have the acceptance from students, staff, and parents.

Diane

[Fred]

I enjoyed reading these messages here. I am new here, so I have a lot of reading to do. But I enjoyed reading especially the ones from the teacher here (High school I believe), whose students know of her operation and has accepted her. This is great! I was thinking back to years when I was in high school and before. I often wish I could have been accepted for what I was back then! Not only by my teachers and friends, etc., but mainly by my parents! I often now in a way, look for kind ladies who are "GG" and who possibly tend to be 'mother' in nature to be my friends. This I so desire, because I never had the advantage of this when I was young. But this is a long story which I do not want to get into here, nor is the appropriate place. But I just wanted to say thanks to that teacher who put the message here. And all of the kids who are in support for her!!

[Teri Jean]

Nicole, although I do not teach and do not have a degree I have spent the last 26 years working in a university envirorment. I work in our Physical Plant, building repair, but the point I'm making is we touch so many lives and when it has been as positive as yours has been with your students they do continue to follow your lead and life. You must be so proud of these young people and to think they may be the leaders of tomorrow gives all of us reason for hope. Good for you. Huggs Teri

[Nicole_P]

Thanks everyone :hugs:
I have been overwhelmed lately (in a good way), but I'll get back on when things settle a bit- it's not over yet! :doh:

Nicole