04/09/2025
A few weeks ago, Bonneville County invited Gabby Jones and me to teach a local 4H class. We didn’t hesitate to accept the invitation. We host classes pretty frequently and didn’t expect this one to be much different. We were wrong. What we thought would be just another class turned out to be something completely unexpected, and we both left in tears for a few different reasons.
The first moment that caught us off guard occurred when a little girl approached Gabby and asked her, “Are you Hispanic too?” When Gabby nodded and confirmed, the look in the girl’s eyes was something we will never forget. There was an unmistakable spark of recognition, a connection, as if this little girl suddenly felt seen and understood. In that brief interaction, Gabby became more than just a teacher—she became an inspiration. To this young girl, Gabby was proof that she could achieve whatever she set her mind to, that there was no barrier she couldn’t overcome. It was a powerful, beautiful moment that I don’t think either of us could have anticipated. It left us both feeling emotional, realizing that sometimes, simply existing and sharing our experiences can be a source of strength for others.
After the class, I was packing up my things when I noticed a little boy had placed a note on my computer. When I opened it, I was taken aback. It was a drawing. The little boy had drawn a picture of Gabby and me teaching.
The drawing hit us hard. It wasn’t just a picture—it was a reflection of how he had seen us in that moment. To him, we weren’t just teachers; we were role models, people who had made a difference in his day. The fact that he took the time to draw this, to capture the essence of what we had shared with them, was deeply moving.
Gabby and I left feeling overwhelmed with emotion. It wasn’t just the kids’ reactions that touched us; it was the realization that we had made an impact that we never expected.
It was a humbling experience that reminded us why we teach in the first place. What we thought would be a typical session turned into an unforgettable day, one that will stay with both us forever.
