Throughout life one may be exposed to many different experiences that may later effect who one will become. It is the people who are our first teachers that have the greatest influence on us and put forth most of the criteria that shapes and molds our minds. From childhood we are susceptible to the on-goings of life and have only the guidance of those around us, for example, teachers, to lead us through. Two passages that support this ideology of life are: (1) a poem called, "The Thing You Must Remember," by Maggie Anderson, and (2) a short essay called, "Unforgettable Miss Bessie," by Carl T. Rowan.
             The poem, "The Thing You Must Remember," portrays a young child who with the guidance and support of his/her teacher was able to get over her anxiety and concentrate on molding her clay dog. The tone of the poem is most likely reflective and is told from the point of view of a reminiscent adult who is commenting on her childhood memory of her teacher aiding her, giving her guidance, preparing her for life by teaching him. At the end of the poem, the author describes the art teacher's "capable hands" as "rough, and grainy, over yours, holding on." The teacher is guiding his/her student and this description by the author shows how much of an imprint her teacher has left on her life. This strong remembrance of her teacher supporting and guiding her shows the great influence that her teacher held over her.
             The essay, "Unforgettable Miss Bessie," is written as a personal narrative from the viewpoint of an adult reflecting upon his childhood memory of this one teacher who had such an impact on him. Miss Bessie was portrayed as a great educator and role model, who was very influential, motivational, and inspirational. She held a firm hand upon her students, but not to the point that she drove them away. She was a great teacher who noticed things that were necessary for a chi...