The Old Globe Theater in Room 101

My introduction into the American educational system came when I walked into the Old Globe Theatre in room 101. William Shakespeare introduced himself as just one of the many teachers we would have throughout the school year. As time went by, Julius Caesar, Huck Finn, Miss Havisham, and Juliet (among the many) came into our classroom and transformed the way a small group of young women viewed literature, and the world around us. We learned as much about love as the American South, and as much about marriage as death, as we did about literary terms and the steps to take in order to write a good essay. I'll never forget the day I walked into class to find Miss Havisham, in her old wedding dress, in a room full of cobwebs, wedding cake, and food.

Both in and out of the classroom, the woman who taught freshman English personified all one could aim for. Throughout her life she had pursued her unconventional dreams and turned them into her reality. She had traveled as a clown with the circus, volunteered in Lithuania as an English teacher, and carried with herself a sense of pride, accomplishment, and strength that found its way into the life and values of her pupils. Her dedication, like her lessons, came alive when she took on a varied role. As a life counselor, she not only pushed her students, but honestly believed in us. In a time when many young women are desperately trying to find themselves, this magnificent teacher was always available and willing to listen. There is rarely a memory in my mind when she was not walking around with another student, or giving someone advice, or simply listening to another one of my crazy ideas about something.

Looking back at my freshman year in High School, I can honestly say that this single inspirational teacher reminded me of how strong I can be, how hard I can work for what I want, and how easy it is to cope with life when you have someone who cares to hold your hand through it all. She looked me straight in the eye, during our first counseling session, and told me that she knew I could handle an education in a foreign language. And when I doubted myself, she simply reminded me of all I had accomplished so far. And so one day I walked down the aisle towards my High School diploma. And soon I will walk down the aisle towards my college degree. I do not have to ask who or how... I already know. It is always that one inspirational teacher who believes so much in your own strengths that you carry the lessons with you, wherever life's path may lead. Ms. H. is that teacher in my life. In her honor, I hope to someday become that person in someone else's life.

-- Magaly Lee-Palis