While Chasten Buttigieg is wondering whether his husband Pete will officially announce his candidacy for the 2020 presidential election, he sought to generate some feels on Twitter.
Teachers are some of the most inspirational role models we've ever had in our formative years. Their contribution to society can't be praised enough for their patience and guidance in shaping us into who we are today.
So Chasten asked the social media platform to share inspiring moments of teachers going out of their way to help students, much like how they've helped him.
Twitter did not disappoint, and now we're all reaching for some tissues. Thanks a lot, Chasten!
What’s one of the nicest things a teacher has ever done for you? What made a lasting impression? #TeacherTalkTuesday— Chasten Buttigieg (@Chasten Buttigieg) 1553608326.0
To get the conversation started, Chasten shared an anecdote about how a teacher provided him with an environment where he can be himself, which led him to the world of theater.
"For me, my high school drama teacher knew I needed a safe space. She let me "hide" with her in the auditorium when I needed to."
"She's the reason I fell in love with the stage and found community and acceptance in theater. Love you, Mrs. Bach!"
For me, my high school drama teacher knew I needed a safe space. She let me “hide” with her in the auditorium when… https://t.co/6YbXY3vbDx— Chasten Buttigieg (@Chasten Buttigieg) 1553608515.0
Matt's teacher was instrumental in building up his confidence after being a victim of incessant bullying.
@Chas10Buttigieg My 6th grade teacher wrote me this letter before I moved on the 7th - she saw the bullying I began… https://t.co/hxdNI4EPtp— Matt (@Matt) 1553608957.0
The attached letter reads:
"Dear Matthew, there are many who will pass you in life. But none to equal that strength of character that shines from you like a star."
"Your loyalty and your devotion to others luminates and breeds warmth in all around you. Do not allow those who are jealous to stifle your spirit."
"You're too great a diamond to be squashed to mere stone. Love, from Mrs. Shearman."
If your eyes are still dry, this is only the beginning.
One teacher abstained from perpetuating a culture of fear in the wake of 9/11 and educated his students about middle eastern politics as a way for everyone attempt to make sense of things.
@Chas10Buttigieg I was a junior in HS when 9/11 happened. My American Studies teacher stopped classes for a week so… https://t.co/Ozv23tjmNf— patty (@patty) 1553610610.0
This former student was given a safety net in case coming out to his parents didn't work out well.
@Chas10Buttigieg I came out to my parents in 5th grade and before I did my teacher made sure I knew if it went badl… https://t.co/BlUR25Doci— Wilson Knight (@Wilson Knight) 1553628255.0
After helping Kasey overcome her social anxiety, her 3rd grade teacher remained an encouraging presence for years to come.
@Chas10Buttigieg 3rd grade teacher. She took time to help me overcome my social anxiety and changed my life. Then b… https://t.co/6qcEniOawP— Kasey (@Kasey) 1553608479.0
This student was offered a safe space after suffering from an anxiety attack.
@Chas10Buttigieg I was having a panic attack once, and my favorite teacher ever brought me into her classroom and h… https://t.co/m23Ujv4yTD— buzzfeed have the decency to ask (@buzzfeed have the decency to ask) 1553608441.0
This teacher's support extended out beyond the confines of a classroom.
@Chas10Buttigieg In 5th grade, I told my teacher that my brother and I were going to put on a stunt show in our cul… https://t.co/LVox55dJMD— The Old Goat (@The Old Goat) 1553609383.0
Teachers don't stop being influential after you graduate.
@Chas10Buttigieg @PeteButtigieg I had quit my job on Wall Street after a crisis. A month later, my HS teacher calle… https://t.co/IFxUZRnR5r— Alex (@Alex) 1553610684.0
Matt's teacher introduced him to queer writing, ultimately helping him to carve out a path to pay it forward as an English professor.
@Chas10Buttigieg My English professor could see I was struggling and in the closet, so she assigned me queer poets… https://t.co/lCjOPSJ53x— Matt (@Matt) 1553614378.0
When Marisa's mom was ailing, her 6th grade teacher took her back-to-school shopping.
@Chas10Buttigieg @PeteButtigieg My mom was bedridden for a number of years and my 6th grade teacher, Miss Munian, t… https://t.co/hEZORRd4S6— Marisa Miller (@Marisa Miller) 1553631263.0
Nick gained confidence after being encouraged to be more vocal about sharing his opinions.
@Chas10Buttigieg Taught me how to be confident when raising my hand and sharing my opinions/answers. I used to be s… https://t.co/CoW9XqiRzu— Nick (@Nick) 1553608471.0
This is why some teachers are real life superheroes.
@Chas10Buttigieg My mother died after a long battle with cancer when I was in the 7th grade. My elementary school g… https://t.co/byy2dxzprV— Jon Panofsky (@Jon Panofsky) 1553608785.0
Have you thanked your teachers today?