Over 30 years ago, I had a very strange 10th grade English teacher. Almost every time I sit down to write I recall something he taught us. Though I was in the midst of rebelling, I recall favorably Mr. Smith’s teaching.
Recently charged with writing a speech I themed it on something Mr. Smith instilled in us. Tragedy is Inspiring.
I remember he said: A convict is not a criminal. A convict is someone who committed a crime at a point in time.
The difference between lie and lay: “i” in lie is for recline. “a” in lay is for place.
Mr. Smith had a few rules for us. If our writing included improper use of a comma or improper use of the word “this” that paper would be failed. We were allowed to rewrite the paper as many times as desired to achieve the grade we desired.
I currently write on my personal website and had begun to write… “This page…” when I remembered Mr. Smith’s rules… and so, 30 years later, I re-wrote. “The following page…”
He was the best teacher I ever had. I wish I cared about school then. I wish I retained half of what he taught us.
~
Sorry I haven’t updated this site in ages. I not feelin’ interesting these days. If you do, send me a note; maybe you’d like to write an article.
Funny how you talked about teachers. I have to say most of my teachers in highschool were great, and I learned a lot.
I still remember by grade 3 teacher however. It started off with her reading this very long book to the class. I didn’t like reading so much then, but I wanted to take it home so mom could read it to me: I wanted her to read it because I thought it was very very cool.
My teacher wouldn’t let me take it home because she said it was above my reading level.
Months later, my mom came in for the parent teacher conference, many of the kids and parents were in the room when my teacher told outright, in front of everyone that her kid would never write and would never read.
In grade 5 I was reading at a grade 9 level.
I think I owe it to her. I’m a very stubborn person, and now when I want things accomplished I tell myself I can’t do them, and then I prove myself wrong. Just thought this might interest you!