Who was your most influential teacher? Why?
Thinking back, I remember the great pleasure of embarking on the 6th grade journey, part deux.
Not my greatest moment.
My first 6th grade run was horribly boring. My duties included, peer mediation, safety, gifted & talented. Class was a side quest.
Honestly, I don’t remember much about the first 6th grade. What I do remember…Half of class, I spent with my head down because I completed all of my work. Hanging in the nurse’s or guidance counselors office when I had enough sleep would follow.
Needless to say, I was bored out of my mind.
So, I decided…I am a safety, I get to walk the halls…fine…if no one here will give me a challenge, I will use my authority to walk out the doors and go home everyday.
Great idea!
6th Grade Part Deux
I don’t remember his name. Something Polish. He would always say to me whenever I wore a bandana in class (Ruff Ryder’s era. Iykyk lol), “My Grandma calls those babushkas.” Then laugh.
One day he pulled me aside before lunch. He reviewed my file and noticed I was repeating 6th grade and asked me why. I told him about my previous experience. The next day he gave me my first Harry Potter book.
My free time in class was spent feverishly devouring the wizarding world. You see, growing up in a very strict, conservative Christian home, I was not allowed access to any material that was not deemed appropriate.
He opened up my mind to a whole new world. Not just that, he was able to do what my previous teachers and guidance counselor wouldn’t. Fight for me academically.
For that, I always remember him. The one who took the time to pay attention to my specific needs… and introduce me to the world of fantasy.
Mr. Babushka
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