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The math lesson that changed my life
There are encounters that impact your life forever. Many times, the nature of these encounters does not become obvious until later on in life. I am fortunate enough to be able to identify a few and today, I want to let you into one of these sacred spaces of my heart.
As some of you might know, in August, I started my Masters program in Life coaching and positive psychology. So far, it has been a wonderful experience and I have been learning a lot. The best part is that I am not just learning for the sake of learning but I am learning things that I can immediately start applying in my coaching techniques, which confirms to me that I have made the right choice.
One of the assignments I had to complete recently was quite interesting. I had to write a gratitude letter to someone who has impacted my life, explain how I met this person and eventually had to give them the letter and share their reaction.
My person was Mr. Fortunat.
Mr Fortunat is a Haitian math teacher living in Canada who tutored me when I was in college in Montreal and struggling with some calculus classes. Now let me tell you how I even got in touch with Mr Fortunat. Back when I was high school in Haiti, after I skipped a grade, math became challenging for me as I had missed a whole year of math concepts (FYI, I am not sure I would've still chosen to skip a grade if I could go back. Even when it had been earned through my performance.) That is how I started seeking tutoring. The math teacher I had at the time in Haiti recommended her sister who could come to my house after school and provide private lessons. Her name was Nerline and thanks to her, my struggles eventually decreased and I was able to successfully pass my math classes. I do not specifically remember how but, it was Nerline who connected me with her uncle, Mr Fortunat when I needed help in college. I had gotten in touch with her and learned that she was also now living in Canada. However, her schedule would make it hard for her to tutor me so she connected me with her uncle.
What was supposed to be simple math lessons, turned into a connection that is still strong till this day. Mr Fortunat became family to me. He provided more than tutoring. He provided warmth and love in a time where I needed it the most. Some connections cannot be explained. We do not know why we feel so attached to certain people for no obvious reason. But one thing is for sure, the affection was mutual. I still picture myself taking the blue bus on my way to his house. We laughed, I cried when I did not understand the concepts, he reassured me, he was very patient.
Mr Fortunat had no idea that in that season, I was battling so many difficult things. It's crazy how knowing you are seen and cared for can provide comfort even from the darkest pits.
Here is the letter I sent him:
Dear Mr. Fortunat
Today I am a married mom of two. I have a fulfilling growing career. I am enrolled in a Masters program and my college days seem so far behind me. Yet, I still think of you almost every day. It seems like, just yesterday, I was taking the blue bus on my way to your house for those private math lessons. The pressure to pass these classes in college felt unbearable at the time.
While I was struggling with these classes, I could not even imagine that I would be able to connect with a Haitian tutor for private lessons. I can only call it fate. God had truly orchestrated everything.
To me, these private lessons turned out to be way more than a way to pass the classes. It was a way for God to show me that He saw me and cared for me even in these difficult seasons while I was away from home. Your patience and kindness provided me with warmth that helped me hold on when I felt like life was cold and pointless. It is a reminder for me today, that I am never alone. It is also an inspiration for me to now be a listening ear to young adolescents becoming adults as I know how difficult this season of life can be. You were that listening ear for me.
I still smile thinking of the conversations we used to have. You had this ability to lighten up the atmosphere when things felt heavy for me. Not only the math classes... it was also all the things I felt I could never say out loud. You provided a safe space for me without knowing it.
I am grateful that, 9 years later (in 2023), we got to meet again and you got to meet my daughter. My wish is for us to be reunited again in the near future so you can meet my son.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart
With all my affection
Ann-Sophie
After I shared the letter with Mr Fortunat, he sent me this reply:
Dear Ann-Sophie,
When my niece first told me about you, I thought God had given me a way to
earn a little extra money for a few months. After just a few lessons, however,
everything changed. Your simplicity, humility, dedication, and determination
made me view this tutoring experience in a completely different light. I saw in
you all the qualities of a wonderful young woman. I told myself I needed to
mentor you just as I would my own daughter. I truly enjoyed the work, sensing
that it would be time and energy well spent. When you called to tell me you had
passed the exam, I was overjoyed.
You cannot imagine how happy I was when you expressed your gratitude during
your speech at the restaurant on the day of your graduation ceremony. You
completely won me over that day, and I knew I wanted to cherish this
friendship.
When you returned to Montreal with your daughter, it felt like an opportunity
for me to meet my granddaughter for the very first time.
Like you, I hope we will see each other again and that I will have the chance to
meet your whole family.
Ann-Sophie, I have conducted many tutoring sessions before, but my time with
you was special. I wish you success in all your future endeavors. If you ever
think I might be of help to you, please do not hesitate to reach out.
God bless you.
Fortunat
The restaurant speech he is referring to was my graduation diner outing where he and Nerline were invited.
Every single year, Mr Fortunat remembers my birthday and sends me a message. In 2023, when he got to meet Lili and I got to see him again for the first time since graduating college, it was a reminder for me of how much meeting him had impacted my life. I sobbed when I wrote his response letter. It is still sometimes a little surreal to me that a tutor could've had such an impact on my life. But after all, I should not be surprised. I believe in the power of teaching and know how a teacher's impact goes way beyond the subject they teach. I guess I simply did not expect such a wonderful story to come out of those classes I hated so much in college ;P
I hope you all get to experience a "Mr Fortunat" in this lifetime.
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