“I credit her with fostering me into the person I am now”: One student’s letter of thanks

This World Teacher’s Day, held annually in Australia on 31 October, we say hat’s off to teachers; and shine a light on their outsized impact on young people, their lives and their aspirations. Read on to discover how one student’s confidence and choices were bolstered by the support of their dedicated Drama teacher.

Like many educators, alum Kathryn McLeod’s decision to become a Drama teacher through the Leadership Development Program in 2017 was deeply personal.

“Coming from a small town in rural NSW, I was lucky to have my dad Donald McLeod as my High School Drama teacher,” she said.

“He was a passionate Drama teacher for over 50 years and though he passed away before I became a teacher, continuing his legacy of Drama education is a way I stay close to him.”

So, when she was nominated for Travel Gang’s Theatre Educator scholarship for her dedication to performing arts education, she was over the moon – but especially when she read the letter of recommendation from a former student who graduated in 2023, Banjo.

Banjo’s letter reveals what everyone who works in education knows to be true: the attention and support of a great teacher can fundamentally change students’ choices, perspectives and futures.

Published with permission, an excerpt from Banjo’s letter:

“My first exploration of the world of high school theatre was in year 8, where I was so petrified I could barely walk through the door to my first rehearsals. The only thing that inspired my self-confidence enough to come back was Kat’s unwavering support of every student in the room.”

“When I eventually chose to continue theatre in VCE, it was largely because of that exact support. One of Kat’s best qualities is that she genuinely believes in all her students in a way that is so evident in everything she does in the classroom that you cannot help but believe in yourself.”

“During the dramaturgical research period of my year 12 monologue, I came up with many ideas that I was very passionate about but feared that they were ‘too outlandish’ or ‘ridiculous’ and thus shut them down. It was only after telling Kat these ideas and being witness to her contagious passion and belief that I pursued them.”

“Beyond being an outstanding support in the classroom, Kat McLeod has also been a tremendous support for me outside the classroom. To have an adult around you as a teenager that treats you like a person, rather than just a subordinate, is tantamount to flourishing as an adult. Kat was that adult for me and many others in my theatre class.”

“For a large amount of time in high school I would joke that my only goal was to be a manager at Coles because I did not believe that I was smart enough for tertiary education nor that anything I wanted to do was worthy of putting time into. This perspective shifted greatly upon being in Kat’s class, she fostered my passions and encouraged me to push myself in ways I never had in or out of school.”

“She told me stories of her own life that put everything into perspective for me and made me feel as though I was worthy of pursuing my own passions. I am now in university studying a double degree of Human Rights and Laws and I truly believe I would not be doing this now if it weren’t for Kat McLeod’s guidance and support.”

“Undoubtedly, I credit her with fostering me into the person I am now.”

Hat’s off to teachers

Banjo’s letter is the kind of appreciation that every passionate educator deserves. For Kathryn, it’s proof she’s on the right track.

“It’s such a huge privilege to work with students – to see them grow in confidence and to empower them as artists,” said Kathryn.

“[Reading Banjo’s letter] was honestly better than the shortlisting.”

“We are so lucky to do what we do!”