During my junior year of high school I moved from Florida to Maryland. Which of course was not something I wanted, so I spent the first couple of weeks at my new school not talking to anyone, and complain about everything wrong with the school and state during every class discussion of my newspaper class. One of my many wonderful teachers over the years, Mr. N decided that instead of writing the sports column like I did at my old school, I would instead write an article every week about something in Maryland. Like Antique Row in Kensington, Maryland, and the Chesapeake Bay, etc. Writing these articles gave me an appreciation for my new state, and helped me to open up and take part in school activities like I would have at my old school. Mr. N helped me to realize that instead of sulking over something I could do nothing about, I should embrace change, learn to deal with change and make the best of my situation so that I would not regret it later. For that I will always be grateful.
Mr. N passed away over the summer of my senior year from cancer. We never knew he was ill. My senior year I took over as editor in chief of the paper, and each week instead of writing about places in Maryland, I had students submit pieces similar to this "class act" in which they highlighted an inspiring teacher.
Teachers come in all shapes and sizes and so do the lessons we learn. From Mr. N, I learned not to see the bad but find the good, and some how I can not help but feel that as he taught me this lesson, he taught it to him self as well.
-- Sasha R. Chin, American University