What I learned in High School

One of the most inspirational teachers in my life came as an unexpected surprise. The last semester of my senior year I meet Mrs. F. as part of a community service class and ever since she has had a profound effect on how I view people and the world.

When I first entered Mrs. Fs classroom I had the low expectations many seniors get strucjÓuÄth about a month into school. This class was simply supposed to be an easy A. I was in for a big surprise. As students entered the classroom Mrs. F. immediately greeted everybody with a cheerful hello and a warm smile putting everyone instantly at ease. I quickly learned that Mrs. F had an exceptional skill to teach without teaching. Her calm demeanor as she continually questioned our political and ethical beliefs made me think more than I had in any math or science class.

As u›gŽcommunity service part of the class, I decided on placement at a school for homeless kid. Mrs. F said that this place would change my life but I never knew how right she was. The children ranged from five to 15 and they all had different stories to tell. Many were under child protective services, running from abusive parents which meant no pictures at all. Many had seen murder and death first hand and were just as willing to talk about killing as most kids would be about Harry Potter. Most!€vÚdents would be gone after two or three weeks because their families were constantly moving.

All of these stories went into a notebook, the only requirement for Mrs. Fs class. Every Friday we would talk about what happened during placement and how it affected our core beliefs. Mrs. Fs intuitive and introspective questioning has helped more than any teacher I have ever had. From this one class I have learned more about myself and others than years of English, Math and Science. I!€vŮll have that notebook, and it is one of my most prized memories from high school.

Byron S.