Thank You Fearless Followers!

Friday, March 7, 2008

Only Two Words

For over 20 years I have had the privilege of working for one of the largest colleges in the nation. My department serves thousands of students every year. I alone have served thousands of students during my tenure. The college has hundreds of faculty and staff, so to say that I have met many people in my lifetime is an understatement. Of these thousands that have crossed my path, a few have tremendously impacted my life and the person I am today.


I always say that everyday for me is a Friday, for I am so fortunate to work in a place that I call home. The college is my home and its people are my family. From the moment I walked through the doors of the college, I was welcomed with open arms by a woman who would later become a dear friend. Ms. Carr passed away several years ago, but my memory of her has never faded. She was the first person who believed in me and my potential. Slowly but surely, she engraved in me the belief that I could do anything. When I needed a shoulder to cry on or someone to just listen, she was there, and her genuine desire to reassure me gave me great strength. Another person who served as my role model and friend was Cary. Thanks to her, I became a teacher because she too believed I could do anything. Her calming ways and confidence in me allowed me to dream and to wish for things I never knew I could achieve. By now, I am sure you gather that I was quite insecure and afraid, clueless and insignificant, at least that is what I thought. My life at home had not always been easy, and I had not always made the wisest choices; however, in that round building where I still am today, I found a new world: a world of possibilities. Elaine, Susan and so many others held my hand and showed me the way. Looking back on it now I realize it was a fantastic adventure and journey that would leave its mark on me forever. All those teachers cared about their students...I mean really cared and they cared about each other. This world was all new to me and so I proceeded cautiously and with reservations. Trust does not come easy for me; I have always been a loner, very independent and self-reliant, but I lacked true confidence and courage. More than that I lacked a voice.


As the years went by my circle grew. One of the dearest, most intelligent and most caring individuals I have ever met and surely will ever meet was a man, a teacher, named Jeremiah known by all as Jerry. He was my mentor, my surrogate father and my friend. He knew me better than anyone else. Maybe he was psychic or maybe he was truly gifted in some way. Whatever the reason, he was special, very special. I don't remember ever hearing one negative thing from that man, not one, not against anyone or anything. He was a simple man, a brilliant man who traveled the world and had friends everywhere. His talks were always so uplifting, so meaningful and so real. He was who he was, how he was regardless of what anyone else thought. He displayed incredible individuality in his life and on his death bed tremendous courage. His spirit is always with me.


So what do I say to the people who molded me into a productive, confident, courageous and successful individual? Only two words...thank you.

59 comments:

  1. I certainly must add the same to words to so many people in my life, including you, by the way!

    ReplyDelete
  2. And thank you for that wonderful post. You are very blessed to have these people come into your life, especially at the time they came. And good for you for seeing what was being made available to you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you Patti

    For me it so important to surround myself with phenominal people and acknowledge their contributions to my life. I am drawn instinctively to people such as you because I sense the great value of your existence. Thank you too my friend. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you Dr. Sheperd and please know that your "message" is clear and quite helpful to me. Your feedback means a great deal. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. This post reminds me of my grade school science teacher who asked me to look at the sky to know its color, and I innocently answered, "It's blue." Then Mr. Olivar asked me again in a fatherly manner, "Ok, son, what do you think is the color of the sky beyond what you see?" These words pierced my heart and my curiosity to yearn for more knowledge and to discover what would be the color of the sky beyond the blue. Inspiring words isn't it. There are people around us who really care--teachers, friends, relatives, whoever they are to us, but one thing is that they care and inspire us to be human. Thank you for this wonderful post.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your Job, your energy and your effort all for humankind..Although many people say Thank You...I will say God Bless you and Hope you all the best for now and the future....You work with your heart and dedication for next generation

    ReplyDelete
  7. Well that was very lovely and it brought a tear to my eye. Actually one in both eyes. Please don't tell anyone, because I don't cry hehe.

    I am so happy for you that you have found a "home" and such wonderful people, it sounds like they deserve that heartfelt thank you that you just gave them.

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you Kebelle, Franx and the offencedblogger for you comments. Hope this inspires you all as well.

    ReplyDelete
  9. It's great that you have a job that you love so much! This post, especially the part about Jeremiah, reminded me of the way I feel about my grandfather. He was the only father I ever had, and I have never heard him say one bad word about anyone. Not even once. He's 90 years old now. I rarely get to see him. I can't imagine what my life will be when he is gone, though.

    ReplyDelete
  10. As I get older, I am more aware of what really matters to me. I regret not having spent more time with the people I loved and have now lost. I was always "busy" but should not have been. Sometimes we need to stop and do what we really want to do, like hug our children for an hour, go shopping with our mom, have dinner with our friends every month, or pay a visit to someone too far away to see everyday. What could possibly be important than this?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for a wonderful time out during my day :) Your friend, Jeremiah, reminds me of my grandmother (who has passed on). I racked my brain, but I do not believe she ever said a negative word about a living soul. People like them, very rare, and very wonderful. Enjoyed myself, again thanks!

    Oims (blogcatalog)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Dear Marlene,

    Great post and keep up the inspirational work....

    Peace,
    Geoffrey

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hey it was wonderful what u said about your best friend. Well i hope god gives me a best friend who cares about me. I hope you have a nice time being a professor and i hope you don't quit you like to do.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thank you M4M, Geoffrey and Mohammed for your words of encouragement. I am glad you enjoyed the visit and the read.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Namaste' what an amazing post to share with everyone!...I cannot really say I knew anyone in *person* that embraced me the same way as your story relates, it was from afar I gained such qualities and from experiencing living amongst nature and wildlife. I felt cared for walking into a dense forest, But I took the lack of not having a special person as a young person, and wanted to be there for someone else, thus working with youth. I find inspiration in so many places however and treasure it all.

    I am glad to hear stories such as yours where there was someone who truly believed in *you* and your *self*, we all need that to some degree, thus to offer it unconditionally to others is divine.

    metta
    sky
    http://awolfadventure.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for you comments Sky and glad you enjoyed the post. It is always great to read your work as well.

    ReplyDelete
  17. This blog sends a powerful message of courage and inspiration. It activates my memory instanly relating each of these extraordinary people to my dearest friends and mentors that groomed me along the way to realize my true potential and abilities. Life could not be truly appreciated without experiencing trust.

    Lisette=)

    ReplyDelete
  18. You are so right Lisette. Glad you stopped by and left a comment. :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello, I really enjoyed reading this post, very inspiring and positive. :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. The Famous Gregory
    Yes I guess great people does come from places for and troubling for I did not know Mrs. Cueto you went through all this but hey you have a listening ear for everything you say is wise to me and I find it helpful.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am so happy that you feel that well.Every time that people say good things abouth their lifes it make me happy and full of hopes.Thank you for sharing this positive attitude toward us.
    luisa

    ReplyDelete
  22. This blog was very inspirational. it was an awesome blog to read!
    -Natalie

    ReplyDelete
  23. I agree with you to thank people who have help you out in life or in your career. It better to say thank you when they still alive before they gone.

    From Reginal

    ReplyDelete
  24. I thought is wonderful that you fond a work place where you feel confortable. Also, you have the opportunity to have contact with a lot of people and create a good relationship with them. I hope to find a work place like you, where I would develop my skills and enjoy my job.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Wow I wished I had people and friends so influential like yours. But I think that everybody has an influential person in their life who is the person that will be there when you need him.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I really liked this blog it really shows that we all have others that we look up to. People that has helped molded us into the people we are today. For me you are one of those people, your the only teacher thus far in my college experience that doesnt want her student to settle for less in life. =] I really like that because it makes me feel as if you really love what you do and u don't just come to work because its your job, you come because you love it =]. Gracias

    -Edith

    ReplyDelete
  27. This is a beautiful story. I really love it, and I enjoy it too. It's good to appreciate people who lves you and help you. Sometimes it takes long to find some good people like that which you did. I also think God and those people he puts around you.Good luck! Keep up the good work.
    From Marie

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thank you prof. M.Cueto to chair the part of your life whith me because it makes me think a lot about my life in the U.S.A.,and I am going to say only two words :"Que Magnifico". (philippe)

    ReplyDelete
  29. This is wonderful post, i love it,thanks also for that positivity and that confidence you bring to me.


    From kins

    ReplyDelete
  30. i really enjoyed reading this story. Ducarme

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm very happy to read your blog. It makes me think how you are blessed to have these people coming in your life. There is an author who says;''Tell me who you surround your self with, and I will tell you who you are''. So, who you surround your self with, that's who you will be.
    From Evodie

    ReplyDelete
  32. i think that you have influenced me as many as influenced in your life. My personal motivational people in my life are warren buffet, condolisa rice and thomas edison.



    jeaniny delphin

    ReplyDelete
  33. Dear MRS Cueto
    The mountain looks so beautilfull and i enjoyed reading the poetry.

    Jesuka

    ReplyDelete
  34. Yes, these words are left out and need to be said, but they are not spoken. Why is that?

    ReplyDelete
  35. Its an amazing story. Its really good to have people in your life who believes in you no matter what.

    Sanabria Vanessa

    ReplyDelete
  36. Dear proffesor cueto:
    Every single word you write has a powerful meaning, and I have experienced through life that every body some time needs a friend or somebody to talk to. I always look up forward to meet people with great potential, and I am always open to new and good advises from the good people. I think that being a good listener is the key to succes.
    Geisa Gonzalez.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I truly do think you are a powerful women. You are very spirtual and I admire you for that. I think you are a great professor and a wonderful teacher. you speak so poweful. Keep up the good work. Stay wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  38. its a real good story.I think its true that sometimes u need friends to help you get confidence and courage.

    ReplyDelete
  39. You story is really inspiring and understanding I which I could be you and have all those people to encourage me. Your are my idol, I admired you for your courage

    ReplyDelete
  40. It's so true how they are some people that will help you along the way for your success. I would have never come back to school if it wasn't for my husband. There are many things I have accomplished in my life if it wasn't for those who have help me and pushed me along the way. Thank you Ms.Cueto for everything you have done for me and understanding. You a great professor. And thanks to all the have made the difference in my life on leading me to the great path. xoxo Miriam

    ReplyDelete
  41. I notice you are a positive person, and this is good because it make you look at life from a different point of view. Thinking about your past issues and take it as something knew you learn, and not a disadvantage.

    Eglis

    ReplyDelete
  42. Interesting story. At least you and the president of te United States have some thing in common meeting interesting people of all kings. You should be honor to have someone mold you into the person you come to be, not everyone is that lucky.


    Troy

    ReplyDelete
  43. This is an interesting story. i felt we have something in common because i met a lot of people every day of my life and only few of them have affected my life and the best i became today
    Nmae: Gerald Etienne

    ReplyDelete
  44. this blog is really nice. it shows how grateful you are to the people around you.its nice that you took the time to rcognise how they made a difference in your life.

    **Rose**

    ReplyDelete
  45. I understand what you mean that why when if I meet someone for the first time I try to have a postive effect on there life. I know I'm and not a social person but we all have met alot of people in our life and each person we meet have an effect on our life rather it be postive or nagative... that is why I try to surround my self with alot of postive people because when you do that it keeps me postive and like I've heard many times "show me your firend and i'll tell you how you are".

    ReplyDelete
  46. *Bianca*
    I respect your situation on this essay being able to not have everyone to help you and you doing things on your own basically i dont really trust anyone i hardly trusted my boyfriend at first but after a while i learned to listen to and everything he'd say and believe him he was actually the only one i knew to have to get along with since he's the only person that i have feelings for but on ther other hand i try to move on with the past of things that might get in my way and keep on doing what im doing and accomplish what i was suppose to accomplish and things came out in my way that i wanted also.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I love your writting ,and It just made me realize that I dont only have a great Poffesor but a great woman that all this time has encorauge people to follow their dreams. I know you have many persons you admire ,but I bet there are more persons that admire you.....I am one of them and I have the same two words for you THANK YOU

    ReplyDelete
  48. Awesome to see someone so thankful for the people who have impacted their lives so greatly. There are so many individuals who take people for granted because they expect people to give their time and energy as if everyone is deserving of it. It seems you have some great people in your life. You have also inspired me as well in many ways, and with that I leave you with this great quote...

    -Danielle

    "A friend is someone who sees through you and still enjoys the view."
    -Wilma Askinas

    ReplyDelete
  49. MANDY SAID
    Tell me who your with,and i will tell you who you are. It is so racious but most of the time it is so true.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I felt at peace reading the story. And I meet people all the time who inspire me too. Especially, you Professor Cueto.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hey Prof.Cueto,i would like to say that its amazing how u felt when u was starting to work here.I never thought u'll b insecure or scard teaching in the college.Well its really awsome that u have all those ppl in your life n they made it way better for you.thats pretty cool that you gained so many ppl that impacted u in a diferent ways and prety sure you'll meet many more..
    thanks for writting this blog..

    ReplyDelete
  52. What a wonderfull message? I truly love it. You're a powerfull women that the Lord have created. God bless you.




    From
    Marie

    ReplyDelete
  53. I really like the way you care and sacrifice yourself and your family for your teacher. I will definitely come to you and visit and get tips from you.
    GERALD ETIENNE

    ReplyDelete
  54. I really enjoy reading your story,and it also reminded of my bestfriend Sarah because if it was not for her i would not be who i am today.You are such a wonderful teacher.(Derival

    ReplyDelete
  55. I am really touch by this post I really love the part when you was talking about your dear friend Ms. Carr when she passed away and you never let the memories of her fade away. And how u continue to say if you needed a shoulder to cry on or someone to just listen, she was there, and her genuine desire to reassure you gave you great strength I always wanted someone like that I just want you to know to keep your head up and continue the great work.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I enjoyed reading this blog .....

    Damarys =)

    ReplyDelete
  57. i enjoyed reading this post :] all your post are so inspirational they are great..

    keep up your awesome work !!

    Natalie Martinez

    ReplyDelete
  58. i wisk that one day that i can find a ob or a career that i enjoy going to thanks for the post

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting and commenting.