Teaching Truth

I started college as a lost 18 year old who wanted to make a difference in the world. I had a huge heart and idealistic dreams, yet I had no idea what would be the best path for me to "help the world." I explored the pre-med path, yet I was turned off by the competitive nature of that track. I dropped my chemistry class and found myself in a class entitled Introduction to Human Service Studies. I hoped that this class would help me find some direction. While this class was an introductory class, Don B. decided to not simply survey every aspect of "Human Service Studies" which seems extremely broad and overwhelming. Don challenged us to take an in depth look at a few of the problems facing society today. He focused on teaching the truth that is so often overlooked. He modeled the necessity for learning facts and being well read in order to institute effective changes. He opened my eyes to authors such as Jonathan Kozol and the wealth of truth they exposed me to. Upon completing my first course with Don, I knew that he had opened my eyes to a lot of information and resources, yet I did not realize how he would later affect me. My junior year, I enrolled in another course with Don. After having experienced two years of college, I valued Don's class even more.

He continued to open my eyes to areas of injustice which society has so effectively hidden. He exposed me to authors and films that have worked to reveal unpopular realities in American society. Most importantly he made me think. I was not allowed to sit passively in his class and memorize knowledge without analyzing and evaluating the information presented. He validated students who challenged him in class and thanked students for their comments, emphasizing the importance of thinking and questioning. Don invests himself in his students. He wanted to know who I was as a person and he wanted to help me explore my possibilities in life. However, I did not fully appreciate how Don affected me as a teacher until my senior year and after graduation. The first time I went to Don for assistance outside of the classroom was my senior year. I was involved with a service project focused on appreciating the workers at school and we were missing a crucial link, the connection to the workers. Don is not concerned with how those in power view him, but rather how those with little power view him. He invests his time in reaching out to individuals who lack power, those who very rarely receive the respect he shows them. As we spoke about the best way to help others and show appreciation, he stressed the importance of including those who are involved in the decision making process. He did not speak on behalf of them, but instead connected me with individuals who would be interested in being involved Throughout my senior year, Don assisted myself and other students with various projects that fought for justice and appreciation of those who are so often silenced. Don helped me find the confidence and knowledge necessary to effectively begin these projects. Throughout my first year of teaching, Don has been a guiding light. Every time I write him a story about my challenges, many times failures in my eyes, he finds aspects of my personality to praise and provides me with crucial feedback. He always shows me respect. As I teach my students, I strive to show them respect and guide them by highlighting their successes and helping them reflect on their challenges. I am thankful that I had the honor of experiencing a teacher-student relationship in which we both learn from each other, we continue to learn together.

-- Deborah L., American University