Nancy Stoops and Midnight

By Nancy Stoops

In high school I had the honor of meeting two teachers that seemed to know who I was meant to grow into.

Mrs. Miller, my psychology teacher, told me that out of all the students she had ever had she taught, she knew I was meant to be a psychotherapist – and now I am.  She told me I had a gift and that I just seemed very skilled at helping people and understanding the root cause of their problems.

The other teacher was Mrs. Litton, and she was my creative writing teacher. She pushed me really hard and had me writing from my heart and soul about my life and my feelings. She would praise each piece I wrote in her class, and told me someday I would be a published author.  I now have three published works and have written this column since the paper began many years ago.

These two amazing teachers believed in me and saw who I could become if I believed in myself and worked hard.  I dedicate this article to Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Litton and all of the amazing teachers that make a huge difference in their student’s lives.  As the school year comes to an end, please understand that you all make a difference even though you may not get all the results you would like with all of your students.

The truth is, I’m forever changed because of these two teachers.  Two teachers that took the time to care, inspire and instill a kind of confidence in a young woman that made her believe they were telling the truth about her – and that she could become a psychotherapist and a published author.  Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Litton, I am forever grateful and both of you will live in my heart forever!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, including a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger. For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727, or via email at nancyjstoops@verizon.net.  Nancy’s books, “Midnight the Therapy Dog,” and “Live, Heal and Grow,” are available at Amazon.com.