Fond Memories of Mr. K

Mr. K was the "cool" teacher in high school. He taught typing and marketing to the juniors and seniors. To a freshman, the juniors and seniors were "cool" also. After school, Mr. K was the Girls Junior Varsity Soccer Coach. I was skilled enough to be on Mr. K's JV soccer team as a freshman. I was fortunate to be on the team, and fortunate that he befriended me. I played center forward for Mr. K my first year in high school year; he started me almost every game.

I came to know Mr. K on the soccer field. He was more than a coach, he was a kind and caring individual. I recall some of the older girls on the team, many of the sophomores showed resentment towards me because of my confidence in my abilities. Mr. K was sure to keep things peaceful and promote teamwork. He worked hard to work us hard. He pulled strings to get us scrimmages and games on the field at night, so that we could experience playing under the lights. He let us practice in the rain, and we had fun getting all muddy and sliding around. Mr. K saw us all as a strong team and separately as unique individuals. During our practices, we often worked on our heading drills. I didn't like these drills because I had a weak nose; each time I headed the ball my nose would start to bleed. Mr. K would let me practice other drills -- they were usually harder ones -- until I had my nose cauterized. He did not mind making special exceptions for special situations, and he did so while maintaining a competitive attitude in each of us. He built us up into a real team with real team spirit. We had an average season my freshman year, but it was one I will always remember.

My school locker was right near Mr. K's classroom. I always made it a point to say hello as I walked by, and he would muss my hair if I were at my locker faced away from him. Sophomore year he was excited for me to try out for the Varsity team. He was confident that I would be able to be a part of the more advanced team. Unfortunately, on the third day of soccer practice, I tore a ligament and some cartilage in my knee. My chances at varsity were shot. I was disappointed but Mr. K was supportive. After speaking with a doctor about my options, I opted to have half of the surgery I needed. I chose to have the torn cartilage removed from my knee, thinking there was a chance for me to play soccer with a brace on. The ligament reconstruction was postponed until the summer. I would not be able to be on the varsity team though. I think both Mr. K and I were a bit excited that we would still be working together.

Playing soccer with a brace on my knee created new challenges and limitations for me. It was heavy, it was bulky and it was awkward. Mr. K was very patient with me, yet continued to push me to my limits. I can recall at least one game where I sat crying over my defeat, and he sat next to me with reassuring words. Somehow, we made it through the season, and that summer I had the ligament reconstruction surgery.

The following year I came back as a junior, and was enrolled in Mr. K's typing class. He taught his classes the same way he coached, with energy, excitement and enthusiasm. He managed to take a typing class and make it interesting and challenging. It was actually my favorite class that semester. I had it in the fall, so our relationship continued to grow. My soccer game was never the same after the surgeries. Although I was upset about my game, there were new events occurring in my life that needed attention. All my friends were starting to think about going to college, and what they were going to major in. I became preoccupied with college applications and getting my drivers license. I did play on the varsity soccer team that year, but found myself on the bench more than I had ever been. Mr. K was not the coach anyway.

I was accepted into several universities, but I was not sure which to attend, because I was not sure what I wanted to study. My senior year I enrolled in Mr. K's marketing and management class. He gave us projects that invited our creative side to come out. He left it up to us to come up with ideas as they related to his marketing and management projects. He encouraged us to think and be artistic. Just as I enjoyed his typing class, I enjoyed his marketing and management class. It was because of that class and because of Mr. K that I chose to attend a small business school and major in marketing (it was the "freshman fifteen" that encouraged me to switch out of that program and major in exercise and sport science!).

Mr. K was the one who always did the little things that made students feel important. He used to dress casual, so that he would fit in. Somehow, he managed to fit in without losing the respect of any of the students or faculty. Mr. K believed in me, as he believed in every one of his students. Through our relationship, from my freshman year to my graduation date, Mr. K was always smiling. He had a positive attitude, and saw the good in everything and everyone. He was stern at times, but always fair. I know that he was able to reach out to many students; I hope to one day be able to do the same.

I have not contacted Mr. K since high school, yet he continues to provide me with fond memories. He was a big part of my high school career, and remains a role model for my professional career. He was a motivator, an encourager and a friend; he was a teacher.

Robyn Holstein