Thank a teacher Give Away...FrostyFingers!

Entered the junior high/ high school classroom as the teacher at age 44. I am now 62. Never would've happened except for my sophomore English teacher, Mrs. Haliday. She was one of those teachers who lit up like a bulb when talking about something that she loved. In this case, English in general and literature specifically. She saw something in me besides a hormone driven, girl chasing, motorcycle riding smart a_ _! Oh, did I mention lazy? Her enthusiasm was boundless, palpable, and, most importantly, contagious. She planted the seed of a dream in me. A dream to teach. That seed just about didn't come up but, like Mrs. Haliday, it was indefatigable -- it just wouldn't be denied. Now, darned if I'm not back at the same school, in the same room, some thirty-four years after leaving it -- smiling when I think of her and trying very hard to emulate her as I work a job that is the toughest, most heart-rending, and worst that I've ever had. Paradoxically, it's also the best, most satisfying, and fulfilling job I have ever loved. Thank you, Mrs. Haliday; may you rest in peace.
 
I could not believe that none of my teachers saw how smart I was. I was not a good student, except for math . Just another under achiever too all of them except for a physical education teacher in grade school. I dont even remember her name.

I was shy. She had me lead the class in calisthenics. At first I could not jump rope but became one of the best in class. She would pair me up with kids who were having trouble and have me work with them. One time after us boys finished the 600 yard run the girls had to do it. One sickly girl had a very hard time but she finished. She was breathing very hard on the verge of puking and was crying. The teacher had me walk with her around the lap two more times until she was doing better. Why did she pick me? Because she trusted me. She understood that I would not tease the girl and would calm her down. This teacher made me feel important. Its just killing me that I cannot remember her name.
 
Tahts-a-dats-ago said:
I miss you, Boo.

I’ll see you as soon as I’m done here.

Love, “Grampa”
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I had a rough patch (not health wise) from about 17-22. When I was twenty my girlfriend and I adopted a kitten. I didn't know what I was getting into. But having something to care for (especially after she went coke-crazy and left) saved my life. I have no doubt about it. Luckily, "Cat" is still around. And he follows me everywhere I go. He plays fetch. He knows when I am down or sick and is always there for me. I'm sorry for your loss. I get terrified thinking how few years Cat and I have left. I owe him a lot. And people tease me about how I spoil him. They don't understand. You do.

Sorry, just had to comment, I'll but out now. Great stories guys.
 
My mom was recently diagnosed with cancer. a skin cancer but cancer nonetheless. well, tonight i got drunk with my stepdad (he is an alcoholic and i am drunk now but still) and he and I had a talk about my mother. he and I both cried because we are not ready for her to pass. he and I have never had a conversation this deep before but i figured it applied. I have had teachers who have helped me more than i can measure. i dont care about the prize but i figured it applied. anyway, i understand how you feel. I am sorry for your teachers passing and i wish him/her the best in the next life. as i cry typing this i can only help but feel thankful that all (and i do mean all) of my family understands what i am going through. I wish you the best in your life, and hope that your teachers words continue to inspire you through the rest of your life.


Sincerely yours,


Bali_flipper
 
we certainly don't learn everything at school.
Frostyfingers said:
I had several great teachers throughout my life, but the teacher I hold the most dear is my dad. For a variety of reasons, my parents decided not to place me or my brothers in public school growing up. Because we lived in rural Kentucky, we didn't have the option of private schools, either. So they did it themselves. My parents, especially my father, taught me and my brothers at home from when we were little until we were ready to enter high school. Of course we learned the typical subjects including reading, writing, math, science, etc., but these were the least part of our education. The other things I learned from Dad have stuck with me even more, things like how to milk a cow, how to plant a garden, how to kill a chicken. We learned how to shoot, how to hunt, and how to appreciate (and use) everything we killed. We learned small things, like how to appreciate a good cup of coffee, and big things, like the value of honesty, of curiosity, and of compassion. One of the most valuable things I learned from my dad (and I'm sure my wife would agree) is how to treat a woman with gentleness and respect. These are things I could never have learned in a classroom.

I used to resent my parents for denying me the "normalcy" of a public school education, but the older I get the more I respect them for taking the time out of their own lives and making the effort to turn me into the man I am today. Thanks Dad.

ETA: I'm now teaching English in a GREAT public school, but my wife and I are seriously considering homeschooling our future children.
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LKJW said:
I had a rough patch (not health wise) from about 17-22. When I was twenty my girlfriend and I adopted a kitten. I didn't know what I was getting into. But having something to care for (especially after she went coke-crazy and left) saved my life. I have no doubt about it. Luckily, "Cat" is still around. And he follows me everywhere I go. He plays fetch. He knows when I am down or sick and is always there for me. I'm sorry for your loss. I get terrified thinking how few years Cat and I have left. I owe him a lot. And people tease me about how I spoil him. They don't understand. You do.
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I do understand.

I thought about the way my post ended and almost deleted the last bit because so many people don't comprehend just how important unconditional love is. Then I reminded myself that Boo never once turned his back on me; he loved me always and didn't care if others thought less of him because of it.

He didn't deny me (ever) and I won't deny him (ever) - so I left that last part of my post as it was.

The pain is almost unbearable at times, but I realize the fact that I am being selfish in my desire to have Boo back as my constant companion and best friend. I felt extreme guilt, for the first several days, about not being there to save him from harm. That guilt subsided only when I asked him to forgive me for not being there.

Others may scoff, but Boo let me know that I have no reason to feel guilty: he knew that I would've gladly given up my life to save his and he knows that I will always love him.

Boo is in a better place now and I'll see him soon. Until then, I know he will watch over me and guide me in my remaining time on earth.

Enjoy your time with Cat. Spoil him, love him and cherish your time with him. Those who tease you can only wish that they had such a precious relationship in their life. I sincerely hope you and Cat have many more years together and I thank you for your understanding and kindness.
 
Thank YOU brother. I am glad you left it as it was...it reminded me how lucky I am. And I'm sure a lot of others, too. I never had pets growing up and never understood until I did how much an animal can mean to you and vice versa. All the best to you.
 
I bet you all think my nomination is my HS Jr. Year Economics teacher....:eek:
(He is #2)

The teacher that "changed my life" was my senior year English teacher. She made us read Animal Farm and 1984. She also handed out this paper with all the Orwellian parallels with Stalinism (Piggy was Trotsky). Another handout was a list of euphemisms used in 1984 (I wish I had kept the 2 handouts!!..I think about them all the time). I had never heard the term euphemism before:o. I knew that they existed (garbage man=sanitation engineer). In 1984, euphemisms were called Newspeak.

As a result of reading those books and my teacher's discussions, I developed a deep hatred of totalitarian regimes. I still have the hatred to this day. It also made me love America and our free way of life. It made me embrace Capitalism and hate Socialism (because of the lack of freedom inherent with Socialism). I became fascinated with dictators and how they operated. I still am fascinated by dictators to this day. I still see the same parallels that were on the handout today with dictators like Khadaffi and Sadam Hussein. It made me realize that most dictators follow the same "playbooks" (Stalinism,1984 and Animal Farm). When they caught Sadam, they found a bunch of books on Stalinism in his library, for example.

She also made us read Julius Caeser, which is another book about dictators,betrayal,envy,greed and the thirst for power. In a weird way, an English teacher enlightened me to political science. I almost majored in Poly Sci in college. It's still one of my favorite subjects and one I have a passion for,especially comparative politics. I owe it all to Mrs. Ader....
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Both my parents were educators. My junior year Econ teacher was a student of my father when he was in HS!!:eek: (My father taught Spanish at my high school and night classes at the local junior college). I saw my HS econ teacher one day, watching my HS alma mater baseball team, after I got accepted in the Business Economics program at UCSB. I told him that his class sort of changed my life and made me realize that economics was my "calling in life" and what I wanted to study and learn for the rest of my life. He seemed really proud of me and I think it really made his day. Sadly, I never got to thank Mrs. Ader. I think she passed away a few years ago:(

I've thought about being a HS teacher. I have mixed feelings. I 'm not sure I could put up with the discipline aspect of it. I know I was kind of a punk in HS:o I think HS teachers put up with a lot of discipline problems and BS. I also think that most teachers put up with the BS because seeing a students eyes light up when they learn something new is PRICELESS and VERY fulfilling. And it's what keeps them teaching. Seeing young students eyes light up. It makes all the BS worthwhile.........

It's kind of like the doctor and/or paramedics===>They see a lot of bad stuff. Especially seeing children injured or suffering. My brother-in-law is a volunteer fireman. He had my niece's childhood friend die in his arms after a car wreck. He said he remembered her coming to all my niece's birthday parties :(. I asked him "Why do you do it, when you don't even get PAID for it?"....

But,when they SAVE a child's life. It makes all the past horrors worthwhile. If that makes any sense...:o
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Thanks for the opportunity
Trent loves knives like granpappy had!!! :thumbup:
It's great idea for a contest and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the other stories:thumbup:
 
Good stuff. I have taught Animal Farm many times. One of my favorite books to work with for the reasons you stated.

Gonna wrap this up in a few days...keep em coming. I'm guessing the 16th, but I'm having some health problems so things may change. I'll give 24 hoursnotice for sure, but around the 16th.
 
Yep, tomorrow night we'll have a winner. Get your story in if you want a shot. :)
 
ms korba taught me grade 10 11 and 12 math all in one year during my spare periods,an amazing teacher,i barely understood english at the time
 
I have fond memories of my year 11 Ancient history teacher, Mr Williams, he helped shape my mind partially to what it is today...I have always had an extensive knowledge of Ancient cultures, when other kids were reading fiction I had a book on ancient cultures that I could barely lift going page to page reading like a kid on Christmas morning ripping the wrapping off their presents. He taught me new ways to hypothesize an essay which in turn gave me new ways to looking at a situation, note taking techniques that I could apply in college and also methods I could pursue my love of history in a hands on way without a degree such as volunteering at the state museum, which he gave me recommendations to get in the areas I wanted to see. Out of all my teachers he always had time for me and took the time to understand his students, not just follow the curriculum. He had a Phd in classical archaeology which he had used in the field for some time but being in his 70's he settled down teaching...he has more than likely passed on by now but every so often I give him a thought and all that he taught us.

I still would one day like to study ancient history on more than a hobby basis, but life got in the way but maybe one day.

PS. Reading the story about your cat gets me thinking of how much I love my cat, only me and my wife does he really like and knows our mood and can even sense if we dont like someone that is at the house. Having an animal to care for really is an amazing treasure in ones life and I would go to the ends of the earth for my pets.
 
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I've been sick for a while now and the only one who never leaves my side is my cat. He is happy I am on his sleeping schedule, too. ;)
 
My 3rd and forth year apprentice instructor. Gave me my first Big Book, took me to my first meeting, and was my sponsor through the most difficult year of my life. He taught me how to live life as a normal person, without the aid of substances. He also taught me how to weld, as well as run a job.
 
Random number generator says....FrostyFingers, you win the prize! Fitting it should go to a teacher! PM your details and I'll get it in the mail. Congratulations!

Wasn't a member of the family was one of the stipulations, but I think the homeschooling aspect makes it kosher. Everyone cool with that?
 
Congrats Frosty.

Thanks to you Dan.
 
Thanks Dan! After I posted I re-read the rules and realized that as he was a family member I should have been disqualified, but I figured I would leave it up to you. I thoroughly enjoyed everyones' stories, and I hope I can one day have such a profound effect on a young person.

Dan, would it bother you if I gifted the knife to my dad in appreciation for all he did for me? I think that would be a nice end to a great thread.

Thanks again, PM inbound.

Frosty
 
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