Retired Teacher, Volunteer, Hamilton, Canada

Most of us go through life busily looking ahead, seldom recalling our formative years or remembering individuals who gave us a “step up”. When was the last time you reached out to your favourite teacher? You know, the one who was patient, supportive, understanding of your outbursts and/or shyness. I bet his/her gestures of making you feel like you belonged were engraved in your memory for the rest of your life. This next WOW Woman was that teacher for me. But of course I am not the only one who gets to claim her as their champion. In honouring Ms. Irene Peters I am joined by others who love and appreciate her dearly. I hope this post makes you remember THE teacher (or a friend) that had an impact on you and inspires you to reach out, thank them and/or pass on the love.

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“I am blessed to have been taught by Ms. Irene Peters from September 2007-2008. Although I have long graduated from Hess Street School I can’t help but fondly remember my time there largely due to Ms. P. She was an angel sent to us {students & my family} at just the right time. I was very unsure of my future following the divorce of my parents. I felt my personal challenges at home effected my ability to care about school. When she began teaching our very stubborn, very diverse, very dysfunctional grade eight class I felt a shift instantly.

Never has an educator taken the time to make us feel worthy of a bright future, one I could not have even imagined for myself. Ms. P’s influence on the trajectory of my life is overwhelming. She saw my worth, and ultimately influenced me into applying for the Academic courses and not Applied courses for High School. I now proudly call myself a Registered Nurse despite once feeling like an under-achieving student. Ms. P not only built up my confidence as a learner, she made me feel like I was an important part of her classroom family. I cherish my memories with Ms. P as our educator and the endless inside jokes in our classroom still make me smile to this day. Ms. P holds a special place in my heart because she is attached to many of my happiest memories as a student. I am very thankful to have kept in contact with her throughout these years because she is a special person to me.” - Hana Abraham, a Registered Nurse.

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“Ms. Peters was my grade eight teacher and by far the best teacher I've ever had. She has definitely gone above and beyond to help students succeed. The best way I can describe her effect on her former students is that there is a reason why she is still the only teacher I try to keep in touch with and have met up with years after I graduated from her class. She became the gold standard for a teacher in my mind and I subconsciously compared every other teacher to her. Every time I see her, she becomes more of a friend with whom I can speak freely about almost anything. I also seem to learn something new about my childhood every time we meet. I learn about additional acts of kindness that we didn’t realize or appreciate at the time. Whenever I see her, she insists I call her Irene. As I’ve told her many times, I can’t call her by her first name. Calling her Ms. Peters is my way of showing her how much I respect her and is a more deserving way to address such an extraordinary woman” - Aniqa Shams, environmental planner for an engineering consulting firm working on environmental assessments for the infrastructure projects in Ontario, Canada.

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“It's difficult to encapsulate the effect that Ms. Peters had on my younger self and how that has permeated into adulthood. I think first and foremost the way in which she organized our class learning left me with the lasting memories of a dope community of sharing space and learning in itself. If I had to rank my school experiences, Grade Eight would be high among my learning years and Ms. Peters played a major part in that. She led with such grace, care, humour, humility and respect. Now that I work within the school board these are all characteristics I find indispensable among successful teachers.” - Michael Abraham, Graduation Coach for Black students at the Hamilton Wentworth School Board focusing on the academic barriers of students with an interest in their overall well-being, growth and passions.

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“For an immigrant, a teenager who just moved to Canada and could not speak the language, it was hard to assimilate and feel welcome in the eighth grade. Middle school is not kind to newcomers, especially those who were used to an elaborate social scene in their home country and thought they were “cool”. Turns out, feeling and acting cool doesn’t translate well to other cultures. Humbleness and patience do. Immigrating and the experiences that follow break you down and rebuild you on an almost daily/weekly basis. The tasks a native speaker may take for granted become magnified in their thorniness, confusion and embarrassment. From the tiny minutia of not knowing what proper social cues are expected with your Canadian neighbors or how to act toward the parents of your child’s classmates, to understanding how to advocate for yourself in a medical office. As resilience builds, the training muscles begin to fire and communication abilities help increase the social standing. You confidently learn how to swim in the deep end and actually enjoy yourself. It is through this learning period, the gestures of kindness and support are most remembered, at least that’s how it was for me.

On the first day of the eighth grade in a new country I was fortunate to land in a classroom of a teacher who understood all of the above intrinsically. Ms. Irene Peters, with kindness and care, helped me rebuild self-confidence and may have contributed to a chain reaction that led to settling and thriving in North America. Her efforts most probably inspired my work with those who felt voiceless and her devotion to students provided a blueprint for building up folks struggling to make it in a new country. Most importantly her (oftentimes unrecognized or ignored) efforts with her students, love for her profession and her unwavering dedication showed me that pride in your work is one of the most important things to strive for in life.” - Olga Shmaidenko, a science nerd turned photojournalist.

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“Irene Peters. Oh, where do I even begin? She was my grade eight homeroom teacher. Now, she is someone I turn to for guidance and motivation. Back then, I just saw her as a teacher—someone who I approached if I had school related questions or concerns—that’s it. It wasn’t until probably high school when I realized that she was so much more than just another teacher. She used to arrange these get togethers with her past students to check in and see how everyone was doing. At the time, I thought it was odd, like I don’t even speak to some of my old classmates and you were my teacher…what would we possibly talk about? Wouldn’t it be awkward? It wasn’t. We had lots of fun, just catching up and bringing back great memories we had. These group gatherings went on for a few years. Usually one every year or two. She genuine cares for her students and wants to see them succeed.

I have graduated from university and I still keep in touch with her. We have had times where we would meet up at a restaurant, have some drinks and just talk. We would talk about everything and anything! Work, family, news, literally anything! I remember a time where Irene, myself and another friend were having dinner and it happened to be a night where the restaurant had a fortune teller present. Irene got the fortune teller to predict each one of our futures. I will NEVER forget that day. That day, we really got to know one another. We shared personal stories and secrets together, tried to decipher what the psychic was telling us, it was so much fun. That night was the night when I knew; we were friends.

Irene has always been there when I needed advice or was present for when I needed to rant. Her sense of humor is legendary and she brings so much positivity into this world. She has taught me that life is what you make of it. I am as confident as I am today thanks to her. She is not just my grade 8 teacher, she is my friend.” Brianne Ta.

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“Irene has always been an influential part of my life. As her younger sister, I have always known that I can depend on her for support and encouragement. She is always there to help if I ever need it. I’m so often inspired by my sister who lives boldly. I watch as her warmth and generous personality can make any person her new best friend. I have learned much from her determination and amazing work ethic. My relationship with my sister remains to be the most precious and cherished gift life has ever given me, and reminds me daily that the power of strong female relationships can get you through anything.” - Nancy Peters.

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“I think of Miss Peters often and quite fondly. I’m sure she’s made a significant impact on the lives of many students, as she did mine. Her sense of humour is bright, loud and incredibly infectious. Her passion for teaching burst through the mundane and made learning a new adventure. Supportive and kind, she also never failed to surprise you! She once stopped by for an impromptu visit when she passed by my house on her bike. My parents and I were relaxing on the front porch and I called her over to join us. They adored her after that, as it isn’t hard to do so. Her zest for life is a magnet for anyone who meets her and I know I’m not the only one who shares that sentiment. She will always have a special place in my heart as a teacher impossible to forget.” - Tina Lynn Wilson.

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“Suffice it to say Irene and I are longtime friends. She has been a huge support to me for over 30 years. Irene helped me get on with my life when my marriage failed and I was a single Mom with two young daughters. Irene is one of a kind. A person who is the first one to step up to help someone, anyone who needs help or support, not for personal gain or recognition but for purely selfless reasons. She has been a blessing in my life and and in the lives of countless others.” - Suzanne Joyce.

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“Despite spending eight years at Hess Street School, almost all of my happiest memories are from Grade Eight, due in no small part to Ms. Peters and her teaching and generous support inside and outside the classroom. Leading by example with her kindness and humour, she showed us the power of community and how being supportive of one another elevates us all. She always went above and beyond for us, encouraging us, inspiring us, and most importantly, uniting us. The latter is no small feat given how widely different we all were, but that didn't matter. Very quickly, we were begging to stay in class during recess to hear her read “Loser” by Jerry Spinelli, we were volunteering in droves for our school’s penny drive and other activities so we could spend more time together, and we were making inside jokes that we still tell amongst each other to this very day, and the list of memories goes on and on. It is all a testament to the kind of person she is that our class continued to hold reunions to see Ms. Peters many years after we graduated. I know that if we were to hold one now, she would embrace us all warmly as friends and, with a genuine pride and curiosity, will want to learn about our lives. Ms. Peters is truly one of a kind and I feel tremendously honoured to have been taught by her.” - Adhi Reza, Marketing Specialist at Lenczner Slaght, one of Canada's leading litigation firms.

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“Thinking about Ms. Peters takes me back 25+ years to Chedoke Middle School and grades 6-8. It was a complicated time, but there were 2 things I could always count on: 1) crying at the Remembrance Day assembly, and 2) my favourite teacher, Ms. Peters. There is much research published about the impact a caring teacher/adult can have on the trajectory of a youth’s life, and while I had many privileges to put me on a straight path, I lacked something very critical: confidence. The way Ms. Peters ran her classroom and related to her students - with humour, mutual power/respect, kindness, and optimism - it felt like a safe haven. I flourished in my pride for my academics and felt truly understood (a pretty impossible thing for a pre-teen to feel). We kept in touch ... but then we lost touch.

Years ago I saw her name on Facebook and wondered if it was “my” Irene Peters. I thought about reaching out and reconnecting, but hesitated. Truth be told it felt selfish. What could I possibly offer to balance out all she had given me? That was my mistake. It was maybe quite simple: gratitude is what I could have offered. So thank you, Ms. Peters, for being you. And thank you, Olga, for giving me the reminder and the opportunity to say so.” - Stevie Kenyon (Struiksma)

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“May I ask that you let Ms. Peters know that she had such a huge, positive impact on my life next time you see her? I was headed down the wrong path and had a very difficult home life and without her influence, I truly don’t know where I’d be today. It was a pivotal year and (her support) put me on the right path. Things were still very hard for the following few years, but she definitely set me straight. Since I was able to carry her positive influence with me, that helped me through some tougher moments. I think of her often with so much gratitude and always send positive vibes her way. It made my heart so happy to see her smiling face and know she’s doing well. I know I’m a dime a dozen for the lives she’s touched but please do thank her for me if it’s not too much trouble.” - T.

If you had Ms. Irene Peters as your teacher or have stories of her being simply an amazing human being, send your blurb to WOW Woman (through the contact link above)

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1. Name.

Irene Peters.

2. Where is your hometown?

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation? What does your average day look like?

I am a retired Elementary school teacher. My average days are spent helping seniors stay in their homes longer. This could be running to the store or property maintenance.

4. What did you study in school?

I studied French, German, and Shakespeare.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the breakthrough moment for you (in your personal life and/or career?) that set you on the current path in life?

The journey to live as a teacher, I believe, was predetermined for me. When I was eight years old, the day before 4th grade began, I fell off my bike and broke the teeth in the front of my mouth. Broken, bruised, and with black eyes, I went to school the next day- it was the first day of Grade Four! I could not miss it! The teacher saw me waiting for the bell and came over to ask me about my injuries. I told her the story and she looked me straight in the eyes, stroked my hair, and told me not to worry. She would make sure everything would be alright. In that moment, I knew I wanted to grow up and be just like her - to be that person a child could look to for care and support, not just education from books, but about life.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

I will be honest. I did not have a projection of life back then. I was living my dream each and every day...to the fullest.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

My mom was my biggest fan in life. We were two peas in a pod. When she passed, my grief knew no bounds. It still doesn't. I miss her each day, no more and certainly not less. I had to get back up on my feet to care for my dad. He, too, is now gone. I do not like not having parents.

9. Knowing what we know now in a current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values"?

Women have made great strides and we must continue to move forward, not be satisfied with now. We need more women in leadership roles, whether it be in politics (of any level), business, and science. Women helping women.

10. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

I love my garden. I love the smell of fresh cut grass and the flowers with a gentle spray of water on them. Yes, I'm proud of my garden. I admit it.

11. What extra-curricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

When I was younger, I played baseball. I loved being on a team...several teams. Team work is essential. We did well. It was a good feeling. I shall never forget the players, coaches, and fun times!

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

My biggest goal for the immediate future is to be a healthier me.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

I fear I will run out of time on this planet before I have l had the chance to live one day just for me.

14. Anything you'd do differently, if you had another go at life?

I wouldn't wear my heart on my sleeve.

16. What are you hopeful about?

We will learn very valuable lessons about how to treat each other when the pandemic moves on.

17. What are some ingredients to a good life?

Stand up for what you believe in even if you stand alone. Be selfless. Don't give a handout, offer a hand up.

18. What are (at least) three qualities you most love about yourself and why? What are your superpowers?

I think I am a good listener. I feel I am empathetic. I think I have integrity. I will do anything for you.

19. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self?

Honour your parents.

20. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult. I love historical (WWII period) fiction.