Old pupil contacted me

[dd16ds12]

Feeling weirdly emotional. I got a Facebook message from an ex student of mine who left school in 2015... a rather long message about how she would wake up and love coming to school only because of me, etc etc very very long just discussing stuff like that. This sounds absolutely awful but I genuinely couldn't really remember the name and even the things they were saying... I've supported so so many students but it makes me sad that 8 years later I changed their life that much they are still thinking of me and I can't even remember them. I'm not sure I can even respond. I'm now a teacher in primary school, found secondary too hard in the end but now it's like wow I actually did help someone don't know, just feeling a bit emotional

Take the compliment. Thank them and say that it means a lot, that you’ve found teaching has its good days and bad days but it’s heartwarming to know that you made a difference.

Poor girl if this makes the Daily Fail, courtesy of their joke journalists. I'm hoping this comment will ensure it doesn't.

That's such a lovely compliment to you!

Awww that's lovely, OP! Don't feel bad that you didn't remember her - teachers teach so many more pupils than pupils have teachers (iyswim). And sometimes there are quiet, unassuming ones who don't show that you're having a big impact on them. Definitely respond! Just say thank you and that you're really glad she felt that you made a difference to her.

Last week I got a card from a very quiet, anxious Y7 girl who's just left to be home schooled because she can't cope with being in school . She too said that she'd loved my lessons and learned a lot. I feel like I barely interacted with her (because she didn't really interact), and I had no idea she enjoyed my lessons so much.

Honestly, take the compliment and reply - it will mean a lot to her.

It's lovely and you don't need to feel bad, just obviously don't say anything like that in your reply. I would just say thank you and ask them what they're up to now.