A summer with Mrs. B

The minute I read the description for the Class Acts section, I knew who to write about. It was the summer after my 2nd grade year. I had just gotten out of school and my mom comes to me saying something about a poor grade in mathematics and a tutor. Now, we all know the last thing a 2nd grader wants is to be tutored in their least favorite subject, during their summer vacation no less! Well, did I fight and run away when it came time for my first lesson. I think that I even locked myself in the bathroom at one point and would not come out until I probably got threatened with no candy, OH, NOOO! I can remember walking around the back of Mrs. B's ranch style house and into the basement. Mrs. B was my favorite elementary school teacher by far, even before she became my summer math tutor. I always remember her kind words and patience with me and let me tell you, I was a very outspoken, stubborn child. Most of my other teachers gave up on me because of my mediocre report cards and my bad behavior. But, not Mrs. B, she made me feel like I was something special, which is what I needed to feel as a tender, impressionable 2nd grader.

I fought my mother every step of the way into this women's basement, it was as if the boogie man would be there to greet me with liver sandwiches. I remember our first lesson very fondly. Mrs. B had a special way with me and in no time at all after my mother left, she had me sitting in front of paper, pencils and math problems. I remember her patience and kind, encouraging words that she would say to me. As the first lesson ended, I actually felt as if I could really do some of this math stuff. Then, Mrs. B took out a bowl filled with various types of hard candy. My eyes widened when she offered me a few pieces. As my mom came to pick me up on that first day I remember waving to Mrs. B as we walked out of the basement. I actually could not wait to come back later that week for my second lesson, and it wasn't the candy!

As the summer days stretched on and I got better and better at math I began to dread the day that Mrs. B would not be teaching me math in her basement anymore. Oh and I would miss the candy a little too! I remember crying on the last day. The following week I would be entering the 3rd grade with a new teacher who would give me new math problems. I actually did amazing in math that following year, and this is no joke. I went from poor performance in 2nd grade to outstanding in 3rd grade all because of Mrs. B.

I think what amazes me the most is that I really can remember all of these details vividly, even if they happened long ago. This experience left that great of an impression on me. It also played a great role in improving my self-worth during my elementary school years. So wherever you are Mrs. B I, I just want to say thank you.

-Angela Fiorille