Middle School Students Raise Money to Buy Color-Blind Glasses for Their Teacher

Michigan Teacher Receives Life-Changing Gift of Color-Blind Glasses From Students

Teacher Receives Color-Blind Glasses

The holiday season is known for its vibrant colors. From the twinkling Christmas lights to the springtime blooms, the world comes alive in a rainbow of hues. However, for Zach Wierenga, a history teacher at Vicksburg Middle School in Michigan, the colors of the world are not as vibrant as they are for most people. Wierenga was born with red-green color blindness, a condition passed down from his mother’s side of the family.

For most people, color blindness may not seem like a big deal, but for Wierenga, it poses a daily challenge. “It’s not a big deal until I’m driving at night. I’m not sure if a blinking light is red or yellow. So, that’s really the biggest impact it has on me daily. I always ask my wife the night before if my clothes match. So, we’re good there,” he said.

Despite the challenges he faces, Wierenga is passionate about teaching history to his students. He shares his own story with his students, including his struggle with color blindness. One day, while demonstrating color-blind glasses to his class, two of his eighth-grade students, Jaelyn Kellems and Maguire Bowles, decided they wanted to do something special for their teacher.

Kellems and Bowles launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe and in person, raising money from middle school students, high school students, and their families. “Kids our age, if they have $250, they’d spend it on video games… shoes… sports equipment, maybe if they wanted like gloves for football. $250 is a lot of money for us, and why not give it back to the teachers who help us?” Bowles said.

Within days, they raised enough money to purchase a pair of color-blind glasses for their teacher. The following day, they surprised Wierenga in his classroom with the glasses. “When they made the announcement of ‘All head to Mr. Wierenga’s room,’ I was like ‘Oh boy, what’s going on?'” Wierenga said.

When he put on the glasses, his face lit up with amazement. “It’s like being at a movie theater when the surround sound comes on and you see ‘THX.’ That’s really how it felt for me. Everything was coming, ‘Wow,’ vibrant. It’s like wearing a VR headset—things being so much more detailed,” Wierenga said.

For Wierenga, the gift of color-blind glasses was more than just a kind gesture from his students. It was a life-changing moment. “Thank you doesn’t seem like enough. It was a life-changing moment for me. It just reaffirms that when I come here… it’s for the right reasons,” he said.

Students surprise teacher with colorblind glasses

This story has touched the hearts of many. It is a reminder of the kindness and generosity that can be found in the younger generation. Instead of spending their money on video games or shoes, these students chose to give back to a teacher who has made a difference in their lives.

It also highlights the importance of empathy and understanding. Wierenga’s students were able to empathize with his struggle and wanted to help him in any way they could. It is a powerful example of how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.

In a world where there is so much negativity and division, the story of Kellems and Bowles’ gift to their teacher is a shining example of hope and positivity. It is a reminder that it is still good in the world and that we can all make a difference, no matter how small the act.

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