Ode to my teachers

As I was driving home today, I heard a phrase that spun me in a time warp . . . Dream Deferred.  I learned this poem by Langston Hughes when I was about 13 and I recite it to myself from time to time to remind me never to find out the answer to the question.  I will blog about this later, but today I wanted to thank the teachers that inspired me to never know experience the answer:

Nancy Nott - 10th grade English teacher who told me that I should do Forensics (acting and orating) because I had so much expression in my face.  I think she was one of the greatest and most passionate teachers I ever had and I hope she would be pleased to know that I minored in English.

Ms. Kirkpatrick - I am not certain if I have the name correct, but yet another english teacher. In my yearbook, she wrote, "always be prepare, which you always are."  I was stunned by this, and it helped me realize I can fake preparation really well ;).  I have no clue where my yearbook is and this is the only inscription I remember.  She was also the Forensics and Debate coach at the high school I graduated from.

George Forrester - 11th grade AP History teacher whom I probably owe an apology to because I neither studied nor applied myself to his class, but was profoundly influenced by the subject-matter.  Mr. Forrester introduced me to "The Elements of Style," by Strunk and White.  I have given this book to many young people, including my so, and I peruse the pages at least once a year.  Do not judge my ability to demonstrate my technical writing ability by this Blog, please.

Emily Duma - 11th and 12th grade French teacher.  I enjoyed learning so much that I almost minored in French, but I chose English instead.  I hope Ms. Duma (and Professor L. Wilhite) is proud that I made it through Paris without any dirty looks because at least I tried.

Julie Bowen - 9th and 10th grade Spanish teacher.  Well . . . I actually have nothing good to say about her and mention her only to say I hated her teaching so much that I pursued French.  Teachers like her should not be allowed to teach!!!  The same goes for Dale ?, the band teacher who I dislikes so much that I did not pursue band in high school.

I say all this to say that I applaud ALL teachers, but rise to applaud those teachers whose passion for teaching and learning inspire generations to whatever greatness they pursue.  I want to thank these teachers and Kay Jackson for inspiring me to find my way and who lit a spark for learning that yet glows bright.