Hi Sam, Im having difficulties accepting that my comfort teacher of 5 years is retiring suddenly. She told us only a few days ago. I was so so close with her, I could always go to her if I was feeling low and now I feel like I'll have no one in my corner at school once she leaves. Her classes were the most enjoyable part of my school day. She was so wise and emotionally intelligent. I was supposed to have her for another year and now we're so screwed for our Leaving Cert cuz she'll be gone. She helped me through such dark places. I don't know how to accept that she won't be there next year.
Sam
Hi there,
When someone important to us leaves it’s natural for it to feel unsettling, especially when they’ve given you comfort and support. Thinking about the future can feel scary, so it’s good to think about things that can help.
Having a teacher leave is a kind of loss, and it’s okay to need time to grieve. Part of grieving can be thinking about ways to say goodbye. This could be through writing a letter, even if you don’t send it, or thinking about a gift for them. Saying goodbye can be a personal thing, so it’s important to think about what’s right for you.
Even when a teacher won’t be around in the future, their support and advice can still be with you. It can help to think about what your teacher would say if she was still with you, and what advice you’d like her to give. Even when you can’t talk to her directly, sometimes it can be good to write down the things you’d like to say to her.
Thinking about the future and how to cope with the change can feel stressful. Even when you’re not as close to any new teachers, it can help to let them know how you’re feeling. Try to stay open to building new relationships, you might not have the same bond with another person but they can still be helpful in their own way.
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
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